Sealing Sleeve Composite for Waterproof Garment Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof garments face issues with sealing sleeves that degrade due to UV and ozone exposure, have poor tearing strength, and are difficult to mass-produce and repair, with known rubber and neoprene solutions failing to provide adequate durability and water-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof textile composite sealing sleeve with a stretchable textile and a polyurethane coating, reinforced with elastomeric materials, allowing for easy attachment and repair using hot-melt adhesive, and designed for neck, wrist, and ankle openings to provide a secure, durable water-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rubber sealing sleeves are used to provide adequate elongation for donning and doffing, then the sealing sleeve can fit securely around the body, but the rubber material degrades over time due to UV light and ozone exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining elastomeric rubber with UV-resistant and ozone-resistant materials. Specifically, the sealing sleeve comprises an inner layer of elastomeric rubber providing elongation and an outer layer of protective material resistant to environmental degradation. This composite structure allows the sealing sleeve to maintain both adaptability (through rubber elasticity) and reliability (through protective outer layer) simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber sealing sleeves are used to provide adequate elongation, then the sealing sleeve can fit securely around the body, but the tearing strength is poor and the sealing sleeves are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomeric rubber with high-strength materials in a composite structure. The inner rubber layer provides elongation while the outer protective layer provides tearing resistance. This composite approach allows the sealing sleeve to achieve both adaptability (through rubber elasticity) and strength (through protective outer layer) without compromise.
3Ease of manufacture
If solvent-based adhesive is used to attach rubber sealing sleeves to garment textile, then the attachment can be achieved, but it is difficult to apply at mass-production level and makes replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment parameter from solvent-based adhesive to heat-activated adhesive. This parameter change enables mass-production efficiency through hot-melt adhesive application, which can be rapidly applied and cured in automated production lines. The heat-activated adhesive also facilitates easier replacement and repair by allowing reheating and repositioning, thereby improving both productivity and ease of manufacture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If trimming is performed to increase sealing sleeve size, then the size can be adjusted, but the sealing sleeve becomes more susceptible to tearing due to increased stress points
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure with an outer protective layer provides tearing resistance even at trimmed edges. When the sealing sleeve is trimmed for size adjustment, the protective outer layer continues to protect the underlying rubber layer from tearing, maintaining strength while allowing size adaptability.
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 offers improved durability, ease of attachment and repair, and enhanced water-tightness, addressing the limitations of existing sealing sleeves by utilizing a stretchable textile composite with a polyurethane coating and elastomeric reinforcement for secure, long-lasting performance.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially waterproof textile composite in the form of a tube extending between (i) a first end having a first opening and configured to fit tightly around a wearer's body part
Implementation Method 2
The textile composite includes a stretchable textile with a substantially waterproof coating layer applied to the stretchable textile
Implementation Method 3
configured to be joined to a waterproof garment textile by a seam around a garment opening
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof garment is provided that includes a waterproof garment textile defining a garment opening, and a sealing sleeve joined at the garment opening. The sealing sleeve includes a substantially waterproof textile composite in the form of a tube extending between (i) a first end having a first opening and configured to fit tightly around a wearers body part and (ii) an opposing second end having a second opening and joined to the waterproof garment textile by a seam around the garment opening. The textile composite includes a stretchable textile with a substantially waterproof coating layer applied to the stretchable textile.