Knitted Plush Structure with Alternating Loop Heights for Climate Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knitted parts do not effectively combine different plush loop heights and materials to achieve optimal cushioning, warming, and moisture management properties.

Innovation Solution

The first and second plush loops are located at least partially in common wales and alternate from stitch row to stitch row, forming a three-layer structure with varying plush loop heights and materials to enhance cushioning, warming, and moisture management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate plush zones are knitted with different plush threads to achieve different cushioning properties, then the functional differentiation is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional differentiationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple plush zones with different functions into a single integrated plush section. Different plush threads are knitted into the same base fabric structure, allowing multiple functional zones (cushioning, warming, moisture management) to coexist in one unified structure rather than requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using different plush thread types (varying in thickness, material, or properties) at specific locations within the plush section. This allows different areas to have specialized properties (e.g., thicker threads for cushioning, thinner for moisture wicking) while maintaining an overall integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If plush loops of different heights are formed to create multi-layer structure, then the cushioning and warming properties are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning and warming propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a systematic arrangement of plush loops of different heights during the knitting process itself. The alternating pattern of high and low plush loops is built into the base fabric structure from the outset, rather than requiring post-manufacturing assembly or complex multi-step processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the alternating arrangement of plush loops of different heights in successive stitch rows. This regular alternating pattern creates the multi-layer structure systematically, where high and low plush loops repeat in a predictable sequence, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the desired functional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plush threads are used in common wales, then the climate management and comfort are optimized, but the thread management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimate managementVSAvoidthread management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single base fabric structure that supports multiple plush threads with different functions. The base fabric serves as a universal platform that accommodates various plush thread types, allowing one structure to provide multiple functions (cushioning, warming, moisture management) simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the plush section into distinct functional zones by incorporating different plush threads into specific stitch rows or areas. This segmentation allows each thread type to perform its specialized function while all threads are managed within the unified knitting process through systematic placement in the pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 three-layer structure provides optimized climate management and pleasant feel by using different plush threads with varying properties, such as polyamide and wool, to achieve comfortable wear with improved padding and moisture wicking.

Implementation Method 1

A second property of the knitted part can be influenced or adjusted via the second, underlying level of shorter plush threads, for example the moisture wicking from the knitted part due to capillary action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3375921B1Knitted piece and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 MEDI GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3375921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375921B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Knitted part, with a base fabric (5) knitted from at least one basic knitting thread (7), and at least two plush threads (9, 10) plated onto the basic knitting thread (7) forming first and second plush handles (11, 12), wherein the first and second plush handles (11, 12) are of different heights.