Knitted Bed Sheet Structure for Thermal and Moisture Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bedding technologies, particularly bed sheets, fail to provide optimal thermal regulation and moisture management, leading to poor sleep quality due to limitations in manufacturing high gauge circular knit fabrics that can accommodate larger sizes and maintain thermal comfort.
Innovation Solution
A bed sheet constructed from high gauge circular knit performance fabric with spandex, utilizing special stitching techniques and materials like Lycra, Coolmax, and Thermax, which allows for superior breathability, elasticity, and moisture management, enabling it to fit various mattress sizes and maintain thermal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cotton bedding is used, then moisture absorption is provided, but thermal regulation and breathability are insufficient leading to poor sleep quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from conventional cotton to high gauge circular knit performance fabric with specific fiber compositions (polyester, spandex, Coolmax, Thermax) that have superior thermal conductivity and breathability properties, directly addressing the thermal regulation deficiency while maintaining moisture management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite fabric construction combining multiple fiber types (polyester, spandex, Coolmax, Thermax) in a circular knit structure to achieve synergistic effects: polyester provides durability and shape retention, spandex provides elasticity for fit, Coolmax provides moisture wicking, and Thermax provides thermal regulation, collectively resolving the thermal regulation and sleep quality contradiction
2Temperature
If performance fabric is used to improve thermal regulation, then breathability and heat transfer are maximized, but manufacturing width limitations prevent production of full-size bed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bed sheet into multiple fabric panels that can be manufactured within the 229 cm width limitation of circular knit machines, then joins these panels together to create full-size bed sheets, effectively resolving the contradiction between performance fabric thermal properties and manufacturing width constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from attempting to produce a single large-width fabric panel to producing multiple smaller panels that are assembled in the horizontal dimension, effectively bypassing the machine width limitation while achieving full bed sheet dimensions through dimensional restructuring
3Adaptability or versatility
If high gauge circular knit fabric is used to enhance elasticity and fit, then breathability is improved, but manufacturing precision and width control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bed sheet into multiple panels manufactured within precise width limits, then joins them with flat lock stitching to achieve the required overall dimensions, resolving the conflict between high gauge circular knit elasticity and manufacturing precision by controlling width at the panel level rather than requiring full-sheet precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from producing a single large fabric piece to producing multiple smaller panels with controlled dimensions, then assembling them, which allows high gauge circular knit fabric to maintain its elasticity properties while working within the precision constraints of available manufacturing equipment
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 bed sheet provides a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment by enhancing heat transfer and moisture management, facilitating faster and deeper sleep through improved thermal regulation and ventilation, outperforming traditional cotton sheets in tests.
Implementation Method 1
Performance fabrics are made for a variety of end-use applications, and can provide multiple functional qualities, such as moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermo-regulation, and wind/water resistance.
Implementation Method 2
Researchers have noted a nightly drop in body temperature among healthy, normal adults during sleep. This natural cycle, when inhibited or not functioning properly, can disrupt sleep and delay sleep onset
Implementation Method 3
Performance fabrics are made for a variety of end-use applications, and can provide multiple functional qualities, such as moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermo-regulation, and wind/water resistance.
Implementation Method 4
Such improved bedding would include beneficial wicking among other properties
Data Source
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AI summary
Bedding material including a first fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch. The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.