Hosiery With Segmented Channels For Sweat Vapor Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hosiery articles fail to effectively manage sweat and ventilation across different zones of the foot, leading to discomfort, blisters, and inadequate temperature control, particularly due to the absence of channels in critical areas like the plantar arch and inefficient sweat routing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates differentiated width channels and ridges in various zones of the hosiery to guide sweat vapor efficiently, with specific arrangements on the sole and instep to enhance ventilation and support, using thicker yarns and tighter weaves where needed for better fabric density and support, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic yarn combinations to facilitate sweat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hosiery fabric is used to cover the foot, then the foot is protected and covered, but the sweat absorption capacity is limited and the fabric becomes wet quickly causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The hosiery article is divided into multiple zones (first zone corresponding to forefoot, second zone corresponding to heel) with different channel configurations. The sole surface is segmented into regions with ridges and channels of varying widths to optimize sweat management in different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the hosiery have different structural characteristics. The first zone has channels of first width, the second zone has channels of second width, and ridges are positioned at specific locations. This local differentiation optimizes sweat vapor egress and support for each specific foot region.
2Reliability
If the hosiery fabric absorbs sweat, then sweat is managed initially, but the fabric becomes wet and friction coefficient increases causing blisters and lacerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sweat vapor from the fabric structure by creating dedicated channels and pathways that conduct sweat vapor away from the fabric-skin interface. This prevents sweat accumulation that would otherwise increase fabric wetness and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels and ridges act as intermediary structures between the sweat-generating skin and the external environment. These structures facilitate sweat vapor transport without requiring the main fabric body to remain wet, thereby reducing friction.
3Reliability
If ventilation channels are added to the hosiery, then sweat vapor egress is improved, but the fabric density and support capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hosiery is segmented into zones with different channel characteristics. The first zone has channels of first width optimized for ventilation, while the second zone has channels of second width. Ridges are positioned to provide structural support while maintaining channel functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions have different channel widths and ridge positions tailored to local requirements. Areas requiring more support have narrower channels or positioned ridges, while areas prioritizing ventilation have wider channels, optimizing both functions locally.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform channel width is used throughout the hosiery, then manufacturing is simplified, but sweat vapor egress efficiency is reduced in different foot zones
Solution Approach 1:
The channel system is segmented into different width zones corresponding to different foot regions. This segmentation allows optimization of sweat vapor egress for each zone while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach through defined zone boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Channel width varies locally to match the sweat production and ventilation needs of different foot zones. The first zone has channels of first width, the second zone has channels of second width, optimizing performance for each region.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures improved sweat disposal and ventilation, keeping the foot dry for longer, enhancing comfort and support across different foot zones, even in non-breathable shoes.
Implementation Method 1
allow the egress of sweat in the vapor phase
Implementation Method 2
channels inside which air and sweat in the vapor phase flow
Implementation Method 3
favor the ventilation between the article of hosiery and the shoe
Data Source
AI summary
An article of hosiery having a plurality of channels alternated with ridges, the channels have, at least in part, differentiated width.