Metallized breathable composite fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture vapor- and air-permeable metallized polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril sheets are not suitable for garments due to poor hand feel, poor resistance to creases, and poor durability for washing.
Innovation Solution
A breathable composite fabric comprising an inner layer, a metallized membrane with a polymer and metal layer, and an outer layer, coupled via point contacts, with variable densities to balance breathability and durability, and tailored thermal conductivity for comfort and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallized polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril sheets are used for garments, then moisture vapor transmission and insulation are improved, but hand feel, crease resistance, and washing durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the metallized polyethylene membrane with outer and inner fabric layers. The outer layer provides durability and crease resistance, the metallized membrane provides moisture vapor transmission and insulation, and the inner layer provides comfort and hand feel. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each layer to contribute its strengths without compromising the others.
2Reliability
If metallized polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril sheets are used for garments, then insulation performance is improved, but resistance to creases and durability for washing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines the metallized membrane (providing insulation) with durable fabric layers (providing crease resistance). The fabric layers act as protective envelopes that maintain the structural integrity and crease resistance of the overall garment while preserving the insulation properties of the metallized membrane.
3Reliability
If metallized polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril sheets are used for garments, then moisture vapor permeability is improved, but durability for washing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the metallized membrane (providing moisture vapor permeability) is sandwiched between durable fabric layers. The fabric layers protect the delicate metallized membrane during washing, preventing damage while allowing moisture vapor to pass through the membrane structure.
4Reliability
If point contacts with variable density are used to couple layers, then breathability is improved, but structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using variable density point contacts - areas with higher point contact density provide structural integrity where needed, while areas with lower density maintain breathability. The non-uniform distribution of point contacts allows optimization of both structural strength and moisture vapor transmission in different regions of the fabric.
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 provides comfort, durability, and effective moisture vapor transmission, while maintaining thermal insulation and resistance to mechanical stress, suitable for apparels, footwears, tents, and sleeping bags.
Implementation Method 1
a metallized membrane that includes a base layer and a metal layer deposited on a first surface of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
The inner layer is coupled to the metallized membrane via first point contacts, and the outer layer is coupled to the metallized membrane via second point contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric includes an inner layer, a metallized membrane disposed on the inner layer, and an outer layer disposed on the metallized membrane. The metallized membrane includes a base layer containing a polymer and a metal layer deposited on a first surface of the base layer. The inner layer is coupled to the metallized membrane via first point contacts, and the outer layer is coupled to the metallized membrane via second point contacts.