Heat-Treated Thermoplastic Yarn for Knit Rigidity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knit products lack optimal regulation of rigidity and elasticity, particularly in regions subjected to varying loads and wear, limiting their performance in garments and footwear.

Innovation Solution

Integration of thermoplastic yarns into knit textile layers, which can be heat-treated to alter properties such as impact attenuation, abrasion resistance, and friction reduction, by strategically arranging thermoplastic yarns within specific knit structures and configurations to control rigidity and elasticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thermoplastic yarns are integrated into knit textile layers and heat-treated, then wear resistance and rigidity are improved in targeted zones, but elasticity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidelasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by integrating thermoplastic yarns into specific zones of the knit textile layer where enhanced wear resistance and rigidity are needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire garment. This allows different regions to have different properties - targeted zones gain improved durability and structure while other areas maintain their natural elasticity and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining thermoplastic yarns with conventional knit yarns in the same textile layer. The thermoplastic yarns provide enhanced wear resistance and rigidity when heat-treated, while the conventional yarns maintain elasticity and comfort, creating a composite structure that balances contradictory properties within the same garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If thermoplastic yarns are heat-treated to increase rigidity, then impact attenuation and abrasion resistance are improved, but the overall flexibility of the knit product is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact attenuationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by strategically placing heat-treated thermoplastic yarns in specific zones where impact attenuation is most needed, such as high-wear areas or impact-prone regions, while leaving other areas untreated to maintain overall flexibility and comfort of the garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If thermoplastic yarns are integrated to provide targeted compression zones, then fit and support are improved, but the comfort in high-compression areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression forceVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating targeted compression zones using heat-treated thermoplastic yarns in specific areas requiring support and fit, while maintaining lower compression and higher comfort in other areas of the garment, thus balancing medical/supportive needs with wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the performance of knit products by providing targeted zones with increased wear resistance, reduced elasticity, and improved fit, tailored to specific areas of use, such as footwear and athletic garments.

Implementation Method 1

the thermoplastic yarn has been heat-treated or thermoformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

heat-treated to alter properties such as impact attenuation, abrasion resistance, and friction reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 3

friction reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3494251B1Articles with integrally knit heat-treatable yarn
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3494251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494251B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3494251B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

An article with heat-treatable thermoplastic yarn includes various features. The article may include knit structures that at least partially affect rigidity in a zone that includes thermoplastic yarn. In addition, the article may include knit structures that at least partially affect elasticity in a zone that includes thermoplastic yarn.