Ladderproof Stretch Fabric Using Composite Thread Knitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ladderproof stretch fabrics used in garments for sports and leisure activities lack comfort and durability, offering poor wearability and resistance to mechanical strain, abrasion, and deformation compared to other fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A ladderproof stretch fabric is developed using a combination of at least three sets of threads: artificial or synthetic rigid threads, synthetic elastic threads, and natural rigid threads, knitted in specific stitch patterns to provide resistance and comfort, with the natural threads visible on one face for insulation and the synthetic threads on the opposite face for durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ladderproof stretch fabrics are used for sports garments, then resistance to mechanical strain is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to mechanical strainVSAvoidcomfort and wearability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining three distinct thread types (artificial/synthetic rigid threads, synthetic elastic threads, and natural rigid threads) into a single fabric structure. Each thread type contributes different properties: synthetic rigid threads provide strength and resistance to mechanical strain, natural rigid threads provide softness and comfort, and elastic threads provide stretchability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple material properties within the same fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different functional roles to different thread sets within the fabric structure. The artificial/synthetic rigid threads are positioned to provide structural support and resistance to strain, while natural rigid threads are arranged to contact the skin for comfort, and elastic threads are distributed to provide localized stretchability. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows the fabric to simultaneously achieve strength and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If ladderproof stretch fabrics are used for dynamic sports, then durability is improved, but comfort level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcomfort level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining natural and synthetic fibers in a warp-knitted structure. The natural rigid threads (cotton, wool, silk, linen) provide softness and skin comfort, while synthetic elastic threads provide stretch and recovery. This composite structure maintains durability through the ladderproof design while adding comfort through natural fiber contact with the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning natural rigid threads to be primarily visible and contact the skin on one face of the fabric for comfort, while synthetic threads provide structural support on the opposite face. This spatial arrangement ensures that the comfort function is localized to the skin-contact surface while durability is maintained throughout the fabric structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If synthetic threads are used for durability, then resistance to abrasion is improved, but softness and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to abrasionVSAvoidsoftness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by differentiating the functional roles of synthetic and natural threads within the fabric structure. Synthetic elastic threads are positioned to provide structural support and abrasion resistance, while natural rigid threads are arranged to contact the skin and provide softness. This spatial separation allows each material type to excel at its intended function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 fabric achieves excellent resistance to mechanical strain, abrasion, and chemical agents while maintaining comfort and elasticity, suitable for dynamic sports and providing reliable safety and economic competitiveness.

Implementation Method 1

at least one set of synthetic elastic thread (5), wherein the set of natural rigid thread (7) is knitted-in according to a weft stitch pattern, and wherein the two sets of threads knitted-in according to a closed or open stitch pattern, realise a warp stitch that allows the third set of thread knitted-in according to a weft stitch pattern also to be held in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3495540B1Ladderproof stretch fabric and item of clothing for sportsactivities made therein

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 M I T I MFR ITALANA TESSUTI INDEMAGLIABILI

Figure 1A~1H
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a ladderproof stretch fabric (1), particularly for producing garments for sports activities or for producing bathing garments for leisure time, comprising at least three threads (3, 5, 7) knitted-in on a plurality of combs, where at least two of said three threads (3, 5, 7) were knitted-in according to a closed or open stitch weave. Said at least three threads (3, 5, 7) comprise at least one artificial or synthetic rigid thread (3), at least one synthetic elastic thread (5) and at least one natural rigid thread (7).