Moisture-Responsive Apparel Vent Structure for Adaptive Breathability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vent structures on apparel require manual manipulation or passively open and close based on air flow, lacking dynamic responsiveness to external stimuli.
Innovation Solution
A composite laminate with a substrate layer, film layer, and optional support layer that transitions between closed and open states in response to moisture, allowing ventilation without manual operation, featuring slits that expand or contract based on moisture exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical structure such as a zipper or fastener is used for vent structures, then the vent structure can be controlled to open and close, but it requires manual manipulation which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vent structure automatically opens and closes in response to moisture stimuli without requiring manual manipulation. The laminate structure itself serves the function of controlling ventilation, eliminating the need for external mechanical structures like zippers or fasteners that would require user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (zippers, fasteners) with a moisture-responsive material system. The laminate's inherent property of responding to moisture causes the vent to open or close, substituting mechanical manipulation with a chemical/physical response to environmental stimuli.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical structure such as a zipper or fastener is used for vent structures, then the vent structure can be controlled to open and close, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vent structure automatically opens and closes in response to moisture stimuli without requiring manual manipulation. The laminate structure itself serves the function of controlling ventilation, eliminating the need for external mechanical structures like zippers or fasteners that would require user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (zippers, fasteners) with a moisture-responsive material system. The laminate's inherent property of responding to moisture causes the vent to open or close, substituting mechanical manipulation with a chemical/physical response to environmental stimuli.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive opening and closing based on air flow is used, then no manual operation is needed, but the vent structure cannot dynamically respond to wearer activity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the response parameter from air flow to moisture content. The laminate responds to moisture stimuli that correlate with wearer activity levels (sweat production), enabling dynamic adaptation to physiological conditions rather than merely reacting to air flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure incorporates a feedback mechanism where moisture from the wearer's body (indicative of activity level) triggers the opening or closing of the vent. This creates a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts ventilation based on the wearer's physiological state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a static vent structure that is always open is used, then maximum ventilation is provided, but insulation capability is lost when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static vent structure into a dynamic one that can change its state between open and closed. The laminate's ability to respond to moisture stimuli allows the vent to dynamically adjust its opening degree, optimizing both ventilation and insulation based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the response parameter from air flow to moisture content. The laminate responds to moisture stimuli that correlate with wearer activity levels (sweat production), enabling dynamic adaptation to physiological conditions rather than merely reacting to air flow patterns.
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
Enables dynamic ventilation adjustment based on wearer activity, enhancing comfort by providing ventilation during exercise and insulation at rest without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The film layer is formed of a material that dimensionally transforms when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a composite (112) textile having a substrate (114) layer (e.g., knit, woven, nonwoven, etc.) and a film layer (116) that is secured or bonded to the substrate layer (114). A plurality of slits (120, 1618) extend through both the substrate layer (114) and the film layer (116). The film layer (116) is formed of a material that dimensionally transforms when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture. When exposed to moisture the film layer (116) swells, which causes flaps (310, 320) formed by the plurality of slits (120, 1618) to extend in a z-direction away from the film layer (116). The opening of the flaps (310, 320) creates through-passages that extend through the thickness of the composite structure (112).