Multilayer Waterproof Athletic Garment for Breathable Rain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes engaging in outdoor athletic activities during inclement weather face discomfort and performance issues due to overheating caused by trapped perspiration in traditional waterproof garments that also fail to manage moisture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered garment design featuring a water-resistant outer layer with zoned vapor permeability, an inner moisture management layer, and an intermediate layer that allows for enhanced breathability, enabling perspiration evaporation while preventing liquid water entry, achieved through micro-perforations and strategically positioned holes in the layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional waterproof gear is used to protect from precipitation, then water resistance is improved, but moisture management deteriorates due to trapped perspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer water-resistant layer with micro-perforations for precipitation protection, an intermediate breathable membrane layer for vapor transmission, and an inner moisture management layer with wicking properties. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between water resistance and moisture management.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer features zoned vapor permeability with varying densities of micro-perforations in different garment regions. Areas with higher perspiration generation have higher vapor permeability, while areas requiring greater water protection have lower permeability. This local differentiation optimizes both water resistance and moisture management in specific zones.
2Temperature
If water resistant outer layer with micro-perforations is used, then vapor permeability is improved, but water resistance deteriorates due to potential liquid water entry
Solution Approach 1:
The garment employs an intermediate layer comprising a breathable membrane with microporous structure. This thin film acts as a selective barrier that transmits water vapor molecules while blocking liquid water droplets based on surface tension and pore size differential, enabling vapor permeability without compromising water resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer combines hydrophobic coating materials with micro-perforated textile structures to create a composite that repels liquid water while allowing vapor transmission. The intermediate layer further combines breathable membrane material with selective adhesive bonding to achieve both vapor permeability and water resistance simultaneously.
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 garment effectively protects against precipitation while allowing for temperature regulation by facilitating the evaporation of perspiration, addressing the trade-off between moisture management and water resistance in traditional athletic gear.
Implementation Method 1
The inner layer may comprise a moisture management fabric to facilitate the transmission of perspiration across the fabric layer from the wearer's skin to the external side of the inner layer
Implementation Method 2
micro-perforations formed through the textile... that permits water vapor to evaporate through the micro-perforation but that substantially prevents liquid water entering the garment
Implementation Method 3
The intermediate layer may have a plurality of holes to enhance vapor transport from the inner layer through a vapor permeable portion of the outer layer
Implementation Method 4
the inner layer may comprise a moisture management fabric to facilitate the transmission of perspiration across the fabric layer from the wearer's skin
Implementation Method 5
The outer layer may, for example, comprise a knit or woven textile treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish to provide water resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A water proof moisture management garment and a method of constructing such a garment in accordance with the present invention utilizes at least three layers. An outer layer may comprise a stretch woven textile treated with a durable water repellant finish. The outer layer may be micro-perforated to permit perspiration to evaporate through the micro-perforations. An inner layer may comprise a moisture management textile to facilitate the transport of perspiration away from the skin of a wearer. An intermediate layer may bond the outer layer to the inner layer. The intermediate layer may provide holes to permit the evaporation of perspiration from the inner layer through the micro-perforations of the outer layer.