Hydrogel-Infused Elastomer Outsole for Soil Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric materials used in articles of apparel and sporting equipment have difficulty preventing the accumulation of soil and mud due to their hydrophobic nature and limited water uptake capacity, which can lead to delamination and reduced durability when exposed to water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polymeric hydrogel distributed throughout cured rubber, allowing the elastomeric material to take up water reversibly and maintain durability, while also forming chemical bonds with other materials during curing, eliminating the need for adhesives and enhancing soil resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used for externally facing surfaces, then durability and elasticity are improved, but soil accumulation occurs due to hydrophobic nature and limited water uptake capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomeric material with a hydrogel layer to create a composite structure. The hydrogel layer is hydrophilic and has high water uptake capacity, which prevents soil accumulation by absorbing water and disrupting soil adhesion, while the elastomeric material provides durability and elasticity. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their advantageous properties without compromising each other's function.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogel material is added to prevent soil accumulation, then water uptake capacity is improved, but delamination occurs due to bonding issues between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tie layer as an intermediary between the hydrogel layer and the elastomeric material. This tie layer contains functional groups that bond to both the hydrogel and the elastomeric material, creating a strong interface that prevents delamination. The tie layer acts as a chemical bridge, ensuring stable bonding between the two dissimilar materials while allowing each to maintain its desired properties.
3Strength
If adhesive layers are used to bond materials, then bonding strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bonding function into the elastomeric material itself by incorporating functional groups (such as carboxylic acid groups) that can chemically bond to the hydrogel layer. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining strong bonding. The elastomeric material serves dual purposes: providing structural durability and creating chemical bonds with the hydrogel layer.
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
The elastomeric material effectively prevents soil accumulation by swelling and expelling water, disrupting adhesion and cohesion, thus maintaining performance and durability in wet conditions, and can be used in various applications without the need for additional adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a polymeric hydrogel distributed throughout cured rubber, allowing the elastomeric material to take up water reversibly
Implementation Method 2
forming chemical bonds with other materials during curing, eliminating the need for adhesives
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to uncured compositions that comprise a mixture of an uncured rubber with a polymeric hydrogel which, when cured to form crosslinks in the rubber, form elastomeric materials. The present disclosure is also directed to methods of using the uncured compositions and the elastomeric materials. The elastomeric materials can be used to make and/or incorporated into various types of articles (e.g., footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, or components of each). The finished articles within the scope of the present disclosure generally include any article of manufacture including, but not limited to, footwear, apparel, such as garments, and sporting equipment, such as balls, bats, clubs, protective gear, and hunting, hiking, or camping equipment, as well as consumer goods.