Multi-layer Passive Water Barrier Vent System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water-resistant garments fail to effectively manage internal heat and moisture during high exertion activities, leading to condensation and discomfort due to their inability to provide significant breathability while maintaining water resistance.
Innovation Solution
A garment with a multi-layer passive water barrier system featuring a tightly woven body fabric with vents comprising an exterior layer, an interior layer, and a spacer layer that allows for air passage while maintaining water resistance, where the spacer layer includes a plurality of air passages to separate the interior and exterior layers, and a drain arrangement to channel water out of the garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier coating or film is applied to the back side of the fabric to block water and air, then water resistance is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into multiple layers: an outer waterproof layer, an inner breathable layer, and a microporous intermediate layer. Each layer performs a specific function - the outer layer blocks water, the intermediate layer allows vapor transmission, and the inner layer provides comfort. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the barrier function across multiple specialized layers rather than relying on a single monolithic barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the barrier have different properties - the outer layer has high water resistance with lower vapor permeability, while the inner layer has lower water resistance but high vapor permeability. The microporous intermediate layer transitions between these extremes. This local differentiation allows the barrier to simultaneously achieve water blocking and breathability in different zones.
2Ease of operation
If an open mesh vent is provided to allow moisture and heat to escape, then breathability is improved, but water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is constructed with nested layers - an outer waterproof layer, an inner breathable layer, and a microporous intermediate layer positioned between them. This nested structure allows the vent to maintain breathability through the microporous layer while the outer and inner layers provide waterproof protection, effectively nesting the breathable function within a waterproof framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer of the vent utilizes microporous material that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. The porous structure enables breathability through capillary action and vapor diffusion, while the surface tension of the porous material prevents liquid penetration, thus maintaining both breathability and water resistance simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a flap is provided to cover the open mesh vent to block moisture, then water resistance is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (liquid water blocking) is extracted and isolated to specific locations - the outer layer of the vent and the hemi-spherical protrusions - while the rest of the structure (inner layer and microporous intermediate layer) remains open for breathability. This extraction allows water blocking functionality to be concentrated in specific elements rather than requiring a complete flap closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The microporous intermediate layer acts as an intermediary between the outer waterproof layer and the inner breathable layer. It mediates the conflicting requirements by allowing vapor transmission while preventing liquid penetration, enabling the vent to maintain both water resistance and breathability without requiring a covering flap.
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 solution provides substantial air flow and water protection, preventing moisture entry while allowing moisture vapor to escape, thus enhancing wearer comfort and performance in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a durable water-repellent finish that repels surface moisture
Implementation Method 2
The spacer includes a plurality of air passages and separates the interior layer and the exterior layer such that the interior layer does not contact the exterior layer within the vent
Data Source
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AI summary
A garment comprises a body fabric having a durable water-repellent finish that substantially resists water entry pressure. At least one vent is provided in an opening in the body fabric. The vent comprises an exterior layer, an interior layer, and a spacer layer positioned between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The exterior layer and the interior layer include a durable water repellent finish that does not substantially resist water entry pressure. The spacer includes a plurality of air passages and separates the interior layer and the exterior layer such that the interior layer does not contact the exterior layer within the vent.