Interlock Knit Loop Geometry 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 and usefulness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of interlock knit textiles with specific structural properties, including unique knitted loop shapes, fine filaments, and elastomeric yarns with lower hysteresis, combined with altered knitting machine settings, to enhance stretch properties, particularly in the length direction, resulting in more balanced stretch properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 compared to width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by modifying the knitted loop structure to create different geometric configurations (e.g., different loop heights, widths, or shapes) that asymmetrically distribute mechanical constraints. This allows the textile to have different stretch characteristics in length versus width directions, moving away from the conventional symmetric interlock structure that equally constrains both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes structural parameters of the knit structure, such as loop geometry, yarn arrangement, or stitch pattern, to alter the mechanical properties. By adjusting parameters like loop height-to-width ratio, yarn tension, or needle configuration during knitting, the textile achieves improved stretch in the length direction while maintaining overall stability.
2Strength
If wales are present in interlock knit structure, then textile strength and stability are improved, but stretch in length direction is constrained to a far greater extent than width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous wale structure into discrete, separable loop units with varying geometries. By dividing the wale into individual knitted loops with different configurations (e.g., some loops taller, some wider, or with different interlocking mechanisms), the structure maintains overall strength while allowing localized deformation and stretch in the length direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the knit structure by creating loops that can change configuration under load. The knitted loops are designed to deform, rotate, or reconfigure when stretched, allowing the wales to provide strength at rest while enabling stretch when force is applied in the length direction.
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 enhanced stretch properties in both length and width directions, achieving more balanced textile stretch, allowing for wider application and improved performance in articles such as apparel.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric yarns with lower hysteresis
Implementation Method 2
stretch properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
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.