Knitted Textile with Variable Ridge and Groove Patterns for Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textiles that provide thermal resistance are often heavy and lack variability in thermal properties across different zones, limiting their effectiveness and comfort in garments.

Innovation Solution

A knit textile structure with varying ridge and groove patterns across different zones, achieved by adjusting the number of intermediary knit courses and held stitch density, which allows for lighter weight and customizable thermal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heavier textiles are utilized to provide thermal resistance, then thermal properties are improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal resistanceVSAvoidtextile weight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different knit structures (ridge and groove patterns) in different zones of the textile. Areas requiring higher thermal resistance have denser ridge patterns, while areas needing less insulation have sparser patterns. This allows the textile to provide thermal protection where needed without uniformly increasing weight across the entire garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the number of intermediary knit courses and held stitch density to create different thermal properties in different zones. By adjusting these knitting parameters, the textile achieves variable thermal resistance without requiring heavier material throughout, thus resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If textile panels are independently fabricated with limited variability, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but thermal property adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel fabrication simplicityVSAvoidthermal property variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the textile into different zones (e.g., torso, arms, legs) with distinct thermal requirements. Each zone is knitted with specific ridge and groove patterns tailored to its functional needs. This segmentation allows complex thermal properties to be achieved while maintaining relatively simple independent fabrication of each panel, which can then be assembled into the complete garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by creating adjustable and variable knit structures through held stitches and intermediary courses. These dynamic elements allow the textile to adapt its thermal properties to different body zones and environmental conditions, moving beyond static uniform panels to living, adaptable fabric that responds to wearers' needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3759271B1Knitted component with thermal properties
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3759271B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3759271B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3759271B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The subject matter of this disclosure includes knit textiles, such as knitted components, that have one or more amounts of thermal resistance. In addition, this disclosure describes a knit textile panel having varied amounts of thermal properties among different zones or regions of the knit textile panel.