Spiral Ventilation Sock Structure for Heat and Humidity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current socks for sporting activities lack effective breathability and heat regulation, leading to temperature fluctuations that cause discomfort and potential muscle damage, and fail to provide adequate compression and protection, especially during extreme movements.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic ventilation system for socks with a strip structure that contains the plantar arch, creating an integrated aerating zone with thin and pierced processing for air passage, and a spiral air circulation system that channels air and humidity away from the skin, combined with compression zones and reinforced areas for support and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vertical air channels are used for breathability, then air passage is provided, but temperature uniformity deteriorates causing hot and cold strips on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the air channel structure from vertical one-dimensional channels to a three-dimensional network of intersecting channels running in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal). This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that air circulation occurs throughout the entire sock surface area, eliminating localized hot and cold strips while maintaining effective breathability across all zones.
2Ease of operation
If mesh fabric is made flat and thin for comfort, then comfort is improved, but compression capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mesh configurations to different zones of the sock based on local functional requirements. High-compression zones (such as the arch and ankle areas) utilize denser, more structured mesh patterns that provide mechanical support and compression, while other areas employ lighter, more open mesh designs that prioritize breathability and comfort. This localized differentiation allows the sock to deliver both comfort and compression where needed.
3Reliability
If bandaging zones are added for protection, then protection is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates protective bandaging zones directly into the sock's knitting structure rather than adding them as separate components. The reinforced mesh patterns and compression zones are woven into the fabric itself during manufacturing, combining the protective function with the structural integrity of the sock. This merging approach provides enhanced protection without significantly increasing device complexity, as the protective elements become an inherent part of the sock's construction.
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 system ensures uniform temperature regulation, maintains the skin dry, provides comfortable and secure fit, and enhances blood circulation, reducing the risk of muscle damage and improving performance during sports.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral air circulation system that channels air and humidity away from the skin
Implementation Method 2
thin and pierced processing for air passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A dynamic ventilation system for socks is disclosed in which sectors are provided that have different structures and differentiated processes that enable the sock to acquire well defined functional characteristics according to the zone. In particular, the system comprises an ergonomic and asymmetric strip structure (3) which has the task of containing the plantar arch so as to create internally an integrated aerating sector (4) to promote the transit of air and a first rapid exit of humidity and to enable this zone of the foot to breathe that is very stressed during the movements of the sportsperson. Further, the system has a first structure with a transparent zone in which an air circulating system is created that is provided for regulating the temperature of the foot and leg, containing a certain quantity of air between skin and sock so as to create a sort of "air chamber" with an effect of insulating from the external environment and a second structure consisting of a plurality of contact sectors (5) that have greater support on the skin that are interrupted by free portions (6) for the passage of air. The contact sectors (5) are thicker than the rest of the processing and create a sort of guide wall that enables "tunnels" to be obtained between the contact sectors on the one side and the leg of a user on the other side that have the task of acting as a guide for overheated and humid air that has to exit, Further, the second structure has the contact sectors (5) and the free portions (6) arranged according to an oblique pattern that rotates around the ankle and leg following a spiral (helical) conformation in which the contact sectors (5) contribute to creating an interplay of ridges and grooves that enables the distribution of the air to be managed by increasing the flow of air required for heat regulation and by channelling separately the heated air flow for guided expulsion to the edge of the sock. The system further comprises a pair of ribs (11) that create a passage/tunnel for circulating - also in this zone - air in addition to increasing Achilles tendon protection in which each rib is a cushion that fills with air since it has a processing that is such as to create inside small cavities within which air is present. The dynamic ventilation system enables aerated skin to be obtained that is maintained dry during exertions and during movement, as is also the sock.