Moisture-Draining Composite Structure for Shoe Uppers and Seat Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite materials for shoe uppers and seat covers face inefficiencies in moisture transport, particularly in removing liquid moisture against gravity, leading to moisture pockets and inadequate dissipation within the shoe.
Innovation Solution
A composite material with a hydrophilicity and absorption gradient is introduced, where the layer facing the functional layer has a higher hydrophilicity or absorption capacity than the opposing layer, creating a directed moisture transport mechanism that works against gravity, utilizing a two-layer composite with a barrier and absorbent layer configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydrophobic layer is placed on the outer side of the composite material to repel water, then water repellency is improved, but moisture transport away from the foot is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hydrophilicity gradient within the fleece layer, where different regions have different hydrophilic characteristics. The inner side near the foot has lower hydrophilicity to allow sweat absorption, while the outer side has higher hydrophilicity to facilitate moisture transport toward the membrane, thus resolving the contradiction between water repellency and moisture transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the hydrophilicity parameter across the fleece layer thickness. By treating the fleece with hydrophilizing agents or selecting fibers with varying hydrophilic properties, the patent creates a gradual parameter change from the inner to outer surface, enabling both water repellency at the outermost surface and efficient moisture transport through the gradient structure.
2Productivity
If passive transport through perforations is used to move water away from the foot, then moisture removal is improved in the direction of gravity, but transport against gravity is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical transport system (perforations relying on gravity and pressure) with a chemical/physical gradient system. The hydrophilicity gradient creates a thermodynamic driving force that actively pulls moisture molecules through the fleece layer in any direction, eliminating the limitation of gravity-dependent transport.
3Productivity
If a hydrophilic layer is placed directly against the membrane to maximize moisture transport, then moisture removal is improved, but water pooling at the interface may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hydrophilicity gradient within the fleece layer, where different regions have different hydrophilic characteristics. The inner side near the foot has lower hydrophilicity to allow sweat absorption, while the outer side has higher hydrophilicity to facilitate moisture transport toward the membrane, thus resolving the contradiction between water repellency and moisture transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the hydrophilicity parameter across the fleece layer thickness. By treating the fleece with hydrophilizing agents or selecting fibers with varying hydrophilic properties, the patent creates a gradual parameter change from the inner to outer surface, enabling both water repellency at the outermost surface and efficient moisture transport through the gradient structure.
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
This configuration enables efficient and quick transport of moisture towards the functional layer, preventing its return and ensuring effective removal as water vapor, even against gravity, thereby improving moisture management in shoes and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
the layer of the two-layer composite facing the functional layer has a greater hydrophilicity or a higher absorption capacity than that of the Layer of the two-layer composite opposite the functional layer
Implementation Method 2
the layer of the two-layer composite facing the functional layer has a greater hydrophilicity or a higher absorption capacity
Implementation Method 3
waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a composite for use in shoe uppers or soles or in seat covers, comprising a waterproof, water-vapor permeable functional layer and an air-permeable dual-layer composite, characterized in that the dual-layer composite is formed such that the layer of said dual-layer composite that faces the functional layer has a higher level of hydrophilicity or a higher absorption capacity than the layer of the dual-layer composite that is opposite the functional layer.