Interlock Knit Structure for Balanced Lengthwise Stretch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interlock knit textiles exhibit unbalanced stretch properties, with significantly less stretch in the length direction compared to the width direction due to the wales limiting stretch in the length direction, restricting their versatility in applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of interlock knit textiles with a unique knitted loop shape, use of fine filaments for the first yarn, and an elastomeric yarn with lower hysteresis, combined with specific knitting machine settings, enhances stretch properties by reducing the limitations imposed by the wales in the length direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional interlock knit structure is used, then textile stability and durability are improved, but stretch properties in length direction are significantly limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetextile stabilityVSAvoidstretch properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the knitted loops by creating an asymmetric structure where the stem length differs between front and back loops. Specifically, the front loop stem is made shorter than the back loop stem, which alters the mechanical behavior of the textile and enables greater stretch in the length direction while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry into the traditionally symmetric interlock knit structure by making the front loop stem shorter than the back loop stem. This asymmetric configuration allows the textile to exhibit different stretch characteristics in different directions, specifically improving length direction stretch while maintaining the stability provided by the interlock structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If wales are present in interlock knit structure, then textile strength is improved, but stretch limitation in length direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetextile strengthVSAvoidstretch in length direction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the knitted loops by reducing the stem length of front loops relative to back loops. This parameter change allows the textile to achieve greater elongation in the length direction by enabling the wales to deform more effectively, thus improving stretch properties while maintaining the strength-providing wale structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If symmetric knitted loop shape is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but directional stretch balance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknitting process simplicityVSAvoiddirectional stretch balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry into the knitted loop shape by making the front loop stem shorter than the back loop stem. This asymmetric design can be implemented using standard knitting machine mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving the directional stretch balance of the textile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional elastane yarn is used, then textile durability is improved, but stretch recovery efficiency decreases due to high hysteresis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetextile durabilityVSAvoidstretch recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the elastane yarn by selecting yarn with lower hysteresis characteristics. This parameter change reduces energy loss during stretch and recovery cycles, improving stretch recovery efficiency while maintaining the durability benefits of elastane material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improved interlock knit textiles exhibit more balanced stretch properties, with increased stretch in the length direction and reduced differences in stretch between length and width directions, making them more versatile for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The second yarn can be an elasticated yarn, such as a yarn comprising or consisting of one or more elastane filaments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric yarn with lower hysteresis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS20260035842A1Interlock Knit Textiles and Methods of Making and Using Same

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 LULULEMON ATHLETICA CANADA INC

AI summary

Interlock knit textiles and methods of forming and using interlock knit textiles are described. Three structural properties have been found to contribute to improved stretch properties in interlock knits. The three structural properties include the use of a unique knitted loop shape, the use of fine filament yarns, and the use of elasticated yarns having lower hysteresis than conventional elastane. The described interlock knit textiles can include one, two or all three of these structural properties. The improved stretch properties can include values for percent elongation or modulus in the length direction which are close to or the same as their values in the width direction.