Vehicle Interior Textile Layer With Elastic Loop Stretch Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current interior components in motor vehicles, such as those using 2D and 3D knitted fabrics, face limitations in achieving elastic stretchability without relying on additional elastic materials or complex production processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an elastic loop construction directly into the textile top layer using a suitable knitting technique, specifically with a flat knitting machine, allows for elastic stretchability without the need for elastic yarns, by forming loops that provide elasticity through the knitting pattern and yarn type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic yarns are used to achieve stretchability in textile top layers, then the textile can be stretched and return to its original shape, but the production process becomes more complex and additional elastic materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the knitting pattern parameters to create elastic loop constructions. By using specific knitting patterns that form loops with inherent elasticity, the textile achieves stretchability without requiring elastic yarns. The elasticity is achieved through the structural parameters of the loop construction rather than material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the elasticity requirement from the yarn material and transfers it to the knitting pattern structure. Instead of using elastic yarns, the invention uses non-elastic yarns arranged in elastic loop constructions, separating the source of elasticity from the material itself and placing it in the structural arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subsequent processes are used to achieve stretchability in textile top layers, then elastic properties can be implemented, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the elastic loop construction directly during the knitting process itself, rather than applying elastic properties in subsequent processes. The knitting machine is configured to create the elastic loop pattern as the textile is being produced, integrating the elastic property creation into the primary manufacturing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the creation of the textile structure with the creation of the elastic properties. By using a knitting machine configured to produce elastic loop constructions, the structural formation and elastic property implementation occur simultaneously in a single production process, eliminating separate steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-elastic yarns are used with elastic loop construction, then production is simplified and elastic stretchability is achieved, but the textile must maintain elasticity when mounted on carrier elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastic loop constructions specifically in regions where stretchability is required, while other portions of the textile can use different knitting patterns. This localized application of elastic structures allows the textile to maintain elasticity in critical areas while being mounted on carrier elements, ensuring reliability where needed without compromising production simplicity.
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 enables the creation of interior components with high stretchability and adaptability to carrier elements, maintaining elasticity even in mounted states, while simplifying production by using non-elastic yarns.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity of loop-construction textiles is dependent on various factors, including the yarn used, the knitting pattern and the knitting technique. An elastic loop construction is a knitting technique in which the end product has a high degree of elasticity, meaning that it can be easily stretched and then returns to its original shape.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior component of a motor vehicle includes a carrier element and a textile top layer arranged on the carrier element. The textile top layer is an interlooped material. The textile top layer includes at least one elastic stretching portion including an elastic loop construction. The textile top layer is arranged and/or fixed on the carrier element such that the elastic stretching portion of the textile top layer is elastically stretchable.