Overlapping Water Sport Panel Joint for Waterproof Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water sport article joints face challenges in maintaining flexibility and insulation when panels of varying thicknesses are coupled, leading to increased water penetration and reduced durability due to stitching errors and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A joint structure is designed with an overlapping interface where panels of varying thicknesses are attached using adhesive bonding, blind stitching, and/or taping, reducing stitching errors and enhancing waterproofness and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If panels of varying thicknesses are attached using conventional stitching methods, then the joint can be formed, but stitching errors and misalignment occur leading to increased water penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidstitching alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary adhesive layer is introduced between the panels to mediate the bonding process. The adhesive fills gaps and aligns panels of varying thicknesses, preventing stitching errors and ensuring proper alignment, thereby reducing water penetration through the joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding method transitions from purely mechanical (stitching) to a combination of chemical (adhesive bonding) and mechanical methods. This parameter change allows for better accommodation of thickness variations and improves both alignment and waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If panels of varying thicknesses are attached, then flexibility and insulation can be maintained, but the joint durability is reduced due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidjoint durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive acts as an intermediary that compensates for thickness differences without compromising durability. It provides a flexible bond that maintains the flexibility benefits of varying panel thicknesses while ensuring proper alignment and long-term joint reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to attach panels, then waterproofness is improved, but the complexity of the joint structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidjoint structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges adhesive bonding with stitching methods into a hybrid joint structure. This combination achieves superior waterproofness while the stitching provides structural reinforcement, balancing complexity with performance benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 joint structure increases flexibility and insulation by allowing panels with different thicknesses to be coupled effectively, reducing water penetration and improving durability and strength.

Implementation Method 1

a layer of adhesive is added in the overlapping region of the joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3768102B1A water sport article joint and a method for manufacturing a water sport article joint
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3768102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3768102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3768102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A water sport article (200) is provided. The water sport article includes a joint (208, 301, 702, 802) formed between a first panel (302, 704, 804) having a greater thickness than a second panel (306, 706, 806). The joint includes an overlapping interface (303, 707, 808) between the first and second panels where one or more of adhesive bonding (402, 708), blind stitching (502, 714, 810), and taping (602, 604, 812, 820) is used to attach the first and second panels at the overlapping interface.