Self-Adhesive Membrane Seam Bonding for Waterproof Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating waterproof or water-resistant garments face challenges in maintaining the integrity of hydrostatic barrier materials at seams, which tend to degrade quickly, and in integrating membrane barrier films into stretchable fabrics without compromising their elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A process involving overlapping membrane flaps joined by heat and pressure to form a continuous membrane surface across seams, eliminating the need for stitching or additional adhesives, and using a membrane barrier film that can adhere to itself to create a seamless laminated structure within a three-dimensional liner insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If seams are created by sewing or traditional joining methods, then the garment can be assembled into three-dimensional shapes, but the hydrostatic barrier material degrades quickly at seam locations
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane barrier film is divided into multiple panels with overlapping edges, allowing each panel to be separately manufactured and then joined together to form the complete garment, eliminating the need for traditional sewing that compromises the barrier
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical sewing systems are replaced with a thermal bonding system where overlapping membrane edges are heated and pressed together to create strong, waterproof bonds that maintain the hydrostatic barrier integrity
2Reliability
If membrane barrier films are added to stretchable garments, then water resistance is improved, but the membrane films restrict the stretchability of the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane barrier film is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to stretch and flex with the underlying fabric during movement, then return to its original shape, maintaining both water resistance and fabric elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is constructed as a composite structure combining the membrane barrier film with stretchable fabric layers, where the materials work together to provide both waterproofing and stretchability through their complementary properties
3Strength
If seam tape or additional adhesives are used to join membrane flaps, then seam strength is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane barrier film is designed with self-adhesive properties on its edges, allowing the overlapping panels to bond to each other automatically when heated and pressed, eliminating the need for separate adhesives or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The joining function is merged into the membrane material itself through the inclusion of adhesive edges, combining the barrier function and the joining function into a single integrated component that simplifies the overall assembly process
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
This process maintains the hydrostatic pressure resistance of the membrane barrier film across seams and allows for the integration of stretchable membrane barrier films into garments, enhancing their water resistance and durability while maintaining flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The flaps of the membrane barrier film material are capable of forming a strong bond with the application of heat and/or pressure at the seams
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive composite, having adhesive on an inner surface of the membrane barrier film protective cover fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A process for fabricating a three-dimensional, multi-layered fabric product with a moisture barrier is provided. A partially seamed inner lining fabric assembly having at least a two-dimensional shape is laminated with a membrane barrier film having flaps left un-laminated to cover at least one seam. The inner lining fabric assembly is further seamed and flaps of the of the membrane barrier film overlapped into contact with each other and sealed to provide a continuous moisture barrier. A process for fabricating a stretchable section of a garment with a moisture barrier is also provided. At least a section of a garment is formed from fibers arranged in a pattern having a direction of stretch in one direction and a three-dimensional surface texture such that a portion of the fibers protrude above another portion of the fibers. The stretchable section is stretched in the direction of stretch. Segments of a membrane barrier film are adhered to an outer edge of the protruding portion of the fibers while the section is stretched in the direction of stretch, leaving intermediate segments of the barrier film free from adherence to the section. In this way, the intermediate segments of the membrane barrier film include slack that folds up to form ruches when the section is in a relaxed state.