Self-Closing Ventilation Insert Using Swelling Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for textiles and objects fail to provide effective air circulation while maintaining moisture protection, often requiring mechanical covers that are not waterproof and can be damaged easily, and existing solutions with temperature-controlled membranes or superabsorbers are not suitable for widespread use due to weight gain, comfort issues, or mechanical sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing ventilation insert composed of a core element with a first air-permeable layer, an absorber that swells on liquid contact, and a second air-permeable layer, covered by layers that form a chamber structure, which automatically closes upon liquid contact and opens when dry, manufactured using injection molding with a carrier layer that limits absorber expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical covers are used to protect ventilation openings, then waterproofing is improved, but mechanical durability and ease of operation deteriorate due to damage risk and lack of automatic closing
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation insert automatically closes when water contacts the absorber material, eliminating the need for mechanical covers or manual operation. The system serves itself by using the water contact as a trigger to activate the closing mechanism through absorber swelling, thereby achieving waterproofing without mechanical durability compromises
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cover systems with a chemical-physical mechanism where water contact causes the absorber to swell and automatically close the ventilation openings. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that could fail while maintaining reliable waterproofing functionality
2Extent of automation
If superabsorber materials are used for ventilation control, then automatic closing on water contact is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to strong swelling and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber material is applied locally only in the areas where ventilation openings need to be closed, rather than throughout the entire textile. This localized application ensures automatic closing functionality is achieved only where needed, minimizing overall weight increase and maintaining wearing comfort in non-ventilation areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the swelling parameters of the absorber material by selecting appropriate materials and configurations that limit expansion to only the necessary degree for closing ventilation openings. This prevents excessive swelling that would cause weight gain and discomfort while maintaining effective automatic closing
3Quantity of substance
If non-woven absorber materials are used, then water absorption capability is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to sensitivity to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-woven absorber materials with a woven carrier structure to create a composite material system. The non-woven layer provides superior water absorption capability while the woven carrier provides mechanical strength and damage resistance, allowing the absorber to function effectively without being vulnerable to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The woven carrier structure acts as a protective cushioning layer that prevents mechanical damage to the delicate non-woven absorber material before such damage can occur. This pre-protective structure allows the absorber to maintain its high water absorption capability while being shielded from impacts and mechanical stress
4Quantity of substance
If absorber fleece is used in clothing, then moisture absorption is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to moisture release to underlying clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful moisture that the absorber absorbs from the ventilation openings, preventing it from being released to underlying clothing. By positioning the absorber at the ventilation opening and allowing it to absorb moisture directly from the external environment, the system prevents moisture bridges that would otherwise transfer moisture to the wearer's underlying garments
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
Ensures effective air circulation and moisture protection without mechanical covers, is durable against mechanical damage, and can be used in various applications, maintaining wearing comfort by preventing uncontrolled swelling and ensuring quick drying.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber which is arranged on the first air-permeable layer and swells on contact with liquid, in particular water
Implementation Method 2
an absorber which is arranged on the first air-permeable layer and swells on contact with liquid
Implementation Method 3
the covers and/or the carrier layers press the air-permeable layers together and form a chamber structure, the maximum expansion of the absorber being limited by the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the patent application is a self-closing ventilation insert for ventilating textiles, shoes or articles made up of at least two air-permeable layers, an absorber layer arranged between the air-permeable layers, coverings above the air-permeable layers and at least one protective element. The absorber arranged in the chambers of the ventilation insert swells when it absorbs moisture and thereby closes the chambers of the ventilation insert to make them impermeable to water and air. When the ventilation insert is dried, the chambers open and become permeable to air again. Furthermore, a method of producing the ventilation insert by injection moulding is described. The ventilation insert according to the invention may be used in a wide variety of areas, both in the clothing sector and in technical areas.