Knitted Inflatable Protective Device Knot Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices with knitted inflatable elements face issues of tearing and increased weight and rigidity when inflated, which compromises wearability and fit during dynamic activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second thread or filament that forms knots with knit units within the knitted body, providing additional stability and control over the shape during inflation, while allowing relative movement in the deflated state to prevent sliding and friction-related damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness or cutting resistance of the first sheet or wall and of the second sheet or wall is increased to prevent tearing, then the resistance to tearing is improved, but the weight, volume and rigidity of the inflatable element increases, compromising wearability and fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the structure: the knitted body maintains its original lightweight, elastic characteristics while the sealing walls (first and second sheets) keep their standard thickness. The innovation lies in how these components are assembled and interconnected rather than changing their individual material properties, thus preventing tearing through structural design rather than material reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device combines multiple materials with different properties: an elastic knitted body made of flexible material, and rigid sealing walls made of tear-resistant material. This composite structure allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the knitted body provides comfort and flexibility while the sealing walls provide tear resistance, without requiring the entire structure to be made of heavy, rigid material.
2Strength
If the thickness or cutting resistance of the first sheet or wall and of the second sheet or wall is increased to prevent tearing, then the resistance to tearing is improved, but the rigidity of the inflatable element increases, compromising wearability and fit during dynamic activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the structure: the knitted body maintains its original lightweight, elastic characteristics while the sealing walls (first and second sheets) keep their standard thickness. The innovation lies in how these components are assembled and interconnected rather than changing their individual material properties, thus preventing tearing through structural design rather than material reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device combines multiple materials with different properties: an elastic knitted body made of flexible material, and rigid sealing walls made of tear-resistant material. This composite structure allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the knitted body provides comfort and flexibility while the sealing walls provide tear resistance, without requiring the entire structure to be made of heavy, rigid material.
3Ease of operation
If a knitted body is used for the inflatable element, then the flexibility and wearability are improved, but the predictability of behavior when inflated deteriorates due to elastic yielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a knitted body as a flexible shell that can be inflated. The knitted structure provides the necessary flexibility and comfort for wearability while containing the inflation fluid. The elasticity of the knitted material is managed through proper design of the sealing walls and their connection points, allowing the flexible shell to expand predictably when inflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the behavior of the inflated knitted body by changing parameters such as the tension and arrangement of joining threads that connect the sealing walls to the knitted body. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves both flexibility for wearability and sufficient control over the inflated shape and behavior.
4Productivity
If joining threads are used to connect opposite portions of the knitted body, then the manufacturing waste is reduced and production time is minimized, but the risk of sliding and friction-related damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the sealing walls: they serve as both the containment structure for inflation fluid and as the connection element to the knitted body. The sealing walls are fixed to the knitted body at specific connection points, integrating the joining function into the sealing structure itself rather than using separate joining threads, thus eliminating sliding and friction damage while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 knotted structure enhances the inflatable element's control over its behavior and shape during inflation, reducing the risk of tearing and maintaining a lightweight, flexible design suitable for dynamic activities.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element which, in the inflated condition, is designed to protect from impacts and/or falls
Implementation Method 2
the knot is such that in the active inflated condition of the inflatable element the knot is tightened and prevents the relative movement of the second thread or second filament and the one or more knit units
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A protective device for protection (1) of a user, a process for manufacture thereof and use of a knitting machine for manufacturing such a protective device. In particular the protective device includes an inflatable element (2) able to assume an active inflated condition and a deflated rest condition. The inflatable element (2) includes a knitted body with closed structure on at least four sides or walls and having an at least partially tubular form and defining an inner zone or inner chamber (4). The knitted body also includes a second filament (50) which forms a plurality of joining threads (5) which cross the inner chamber and are knotted to two faces (3a, 3b) of the knitted body (3).