Oleophobic Apparel Laminate for Abrasion-Resistant Liquidproof Outerwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articles of apparel with film layers for water resistance often require additional fabric layers for protection, adding weight and bulk, and struggle to maintain liquidproofness against abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight laminate with a porous fluoropolymer membrane surface, coated with an oleophobic composition, is laminated with a textile layer to create a durable, breathable, and abrasion-resistant outer film surface that remains liquidproof after challenge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional fabric layers are added to protect the film layer from damage, then the protection against tearing, puncture, and abrasion is improved, but the weight of the apparel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective fabric layer and the liquidproof film layer into a single integrated laminate structure. The fabric and film are laminated together during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate protective layers while maintaining both mechanical strength and liquidproof properties. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving protection without additional weight from separate layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a laminate that integrates different materials (fabric and film) with complementary properties. The fabric provides mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, while the film provides liquidproofness. The composite structure achieves both protection and lightness by optimizing the combination and thickness of each layer.
2Strength
If additional fabric layers are added to protect the film layer, then the durability is improved, but the bulk of the ensemble increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective fabric layer and liquidproof film are merged into a single laminate unit during manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective garments, reducing overall bulk while maintaining durability. The laminate structure allows both layers to work together in a unified, space-efficient configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film technology to provide liquidproof protection without adding significant bulk. The film layer is sufficiently thin to maintain flexibility and minimize volume, while still providing effective liquidproofness when combined with the fabric layer in a laminate structure.
3Strength
If additional fabric layers are added to protect the film layer, then the protection is improved, but the water pickup on the outer surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different layers of the laminate. The outer fabric layer is designed with specific characteristics (such as hydrophobic treatment or tight weave) to minimize water pickup, while the inner film layer provides the primary liquidproof barrier. This local optimization of properties reduces overall water absorption while maintaining protection.
4Weight of moving object
If the film layer is left uncovered to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the resistance to abrasion and damage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective fabric layer with the liquidproof film layer into a single laminate structure. This integration ensures that the film is protected by the fabric from the outset, eliminating the need to choose between weight reduction and protection. The laminate provides both lightness and durability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective fabric layer is applied to the film layer during the manufacturing process, before the product is put into service. This preliminary protection ensures that the film is shielded from abrasion and damage from the beginning, preventing the need for heavier protective additions later while maintaining optimal weight.
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 laminate achieves durable liquidproofness and breathability with low water pickup and mass per area, maintaining performance through high moisture vapor transmission and resistance to abrasion, while maintaining aesthetic durability and oleophobicity.
Implementation Method 1
a porous polymer surface
Implementation Method 2
moisture vapor transmission rate is greater than 1000 g/m2/24 hours
Implementation Method 3
coating the porous polymer surface with an oleophobic coating composition to provide oleophobicity
Data Source
AI summary
Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.