Rib-Shaped Elevations in Seamless Compression Article Knitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seamless compression articles, such as gloves and stockings, are difficult to put on due to high longitudinal stretchability caused by elastic weft threads, making them challenging for individuals with lymphatic insufficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating rib-shaped elevations into the base fabric of compression articles, particularly in the receptacles for fingers or toes, which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction and protrude outside, reducing longitudinal tension and facilitating donning while maintaining high compression support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If elastic weft threads are incorporated into the base fabric to achieve high compression support, then compression pressure is improved, but longitudinal stretchability increases making the article difficult to put on

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression pressureVSAvoidease of donning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The finger receptacles are segmented into multiple sections by inserting barrier chains at predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation creates discrete compartments that prevent excessive longitudinal stretching while maintaining compression support, thereby resolving the contradiction between high compression pressure and ease of donning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stress or pressure

If the base fabric is knitted with high stitch density to provide uniform compression, then compression uniformity is improved, but the fabric becomes less extensible and harder to put on

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression uniformityVSAvoidease of donning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the finger receptacles with barrier chains, the patent allows different stitch densities in different regions. The high stitch density areas provide uniform compression where needed, while the segmented structure with barrier chains prevents excessive overall elongation, resolving the contradiction between compression uniformity and ease of donning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the receptacles are made tight-fitting to ensure high compression support, then support performance is improved, but the articles become difficult to put on for patients with lymphatic insufficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport performanceVSAvoidease of donning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of finger receptacles into discrete compartments using barrier chains allows the garment to maintain a tight-fitting, high-support configuration at each segment while the overall structure can be more easily stretched during donning. This resolves the contradiction between support performance and ease of donning for patients with lymphatic insufficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 rib-shaped elevations make it easier to put on the compression articles by preventing nail interference and ensuring uniform compression pressure, enhancing donning ease without compromising support performance.

Implementation Method 1

high longitudinal stretchability caused by elastic weft threads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

reducing longitudinal tension and facilitating donning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4137626B1Method of manufacturing a seamless compression article on a flat knitting machine
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 JULIUS ZORN
  • EP4137626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4137626B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4137626B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

In a method for producing a seamless and easily put-on compression article on a flat knitting machine with a front needle bed and a rear needle bed opposite it, a base fabric (3) is knitted from at least one knitting thread (4) and at least one elastic weft thread (5) inserted or knitted in therein, with at least one tubular or pocket-shaped recess (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) for at least one finger (F) or at least one toe (Z) of a wearer of the compression article, so that the compression article can be put on a body extremity of the wearer extending in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the recess or each recess (1) comprises a plurality of rib-shaped elevations (2) which run at least substantially parallel to each other and along the longitudinal direction (L) of the respective recess (1).