Porous membranes, materials, composites, laminates, textiles and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microporous membranes used in textile applications lack mechanical strength, stretch, recovery, and softness, making them inadequate for repeated use and wearer comfort, while also being hydrophobic and not breathable for liquid water.
Innovation Solution
Microcreping a laminated composite microporous membrane with two dissimilar porous layers using heat, compression, and adhesives introduces permanent crepes, profiles, or wrinkles, enhancing mechanical strength, elasticity, and softness, while maintaining breathability and waterproofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polyolefin microporous membranes are used for waterproofing, then water impermeability is achieved, but mechanical strength and softness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyolefin microporous membrane with non-woven fabric layers to create a laminated structure. This composite construction provides both the waterproofing properties of polyolefin and the mechanical strength and softness of non-woven fabric, resolving the contradiction between water impermeability and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters through heat treatment and compression processes that modify the microporous structure. By controlling pore size, distribution, and membrane thickness parameters, the membrane achieves adequate mechanical strength while maintaining waterproofing capabilities
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polyolefin microporous membranes are used for waterproofing, then water impermeability is achieved, but softness and hand feel are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid polyolefin microporous membrane with soft non-woven fabric layers in a laminated composite structure. This provides the waterproofing function of the membrane while the non-woven fabric layers contribute softness and improved hand feel, resolving the contradiction between water impermeability and softness
3Productivity
If microporous membranes are made thinner for breathability, then water vapor permeability improves, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction where thin polyolefin microporous membrane layers provide breathability through controlled porosity, while supporting non-woven fabric layers provide mechanical strength. This allows the membrane to be thin enough for vapor permeability while maintaining adequate strength through the composite structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the porous structure of the microporous membrane by controlling pore size, porosity, and pore distribution. This allows thin membrane construction that maintains breathability while the porous structure itself provides一定的 mechanical integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If microporous membranes are stretched for conformability, then adaptability to body shape improves, but recovery and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic structure where the microporous membrane can stretch and conform to body movements, while the laminated composite construction with non-woven fabric provides structural support for recovery. This allows the membrane to be adaptable during use while maintaining reliability and shape recovery
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 microcreped membrane exhibits increased mechanical strength, stretch, and recovery, with improved softness and breathability, suitable for repeated use and enhanced wearer comfort, and is quiet without crinkling noises.
Implementation Method 1
laminated together, for example, using heat, compression and/or adhesives
Implementation Method 2
laminated together, for example, using heat, compression and/or adhesives
Implementation Method 3
water vapor molecules in their gaseous state are able to permeate into the porous structure of the membrane and pass through its pores
Implementation Method 4
polyolefin microporous membranes are hydrophobic and repel water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to novel, improved, modified or treated microporous membranes for use in textile related applications and which are preferably composed of two or more dissimilar porous membrane or material layers laminated together using heat, compression and/or adhesives. The preferred inventive laminated composite microporous membrane is modified using a technique or treatment such as microcreping to introduce permanent small, regularly spaced, crepes, profiles, compactions, pleats, or wrinkles into the laminated composite microporous membrane for the purpose of improving mechanical strength, elasticity and/or resiliency. In addition, the inventive microcreped microporous laminated membrane more preferably has significantly improved ‘hand’ or softness, has ‘next-to-the-skin’ softness, and/or is quiet without crinkling noises during movement, which may be desired performance properties or characteristics of or in textile garments, materials or applications.