Apparel Fluid Channels for Body Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletic performance decreases as core body temperature rises above a threshold, leading to heat stress, and existing cooling systems are not effectively integrated with protective apparel to manage temperature regulation during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A ventilated and protective article of apparel system that includes fluid channels and a fluid source, where the fluid is supplied through a connector to channels in the apparel, providing both ventilation and protection by moderating body temperature through the use of a pressurized fluid, which can be cooled, heated, or oxygenated, and is designed to be worn independently or with other protective gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective components are added to apparel, then impact protection is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines protective padding and cooling functions into a single integrated apparel system. The protective components are embedded within the apparel structure, and fluid channels are incorporated into the same protective layers, allowing simultaneous impact protection and temperature regulation without adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective components serve multiple functions: they provide impact protection, contain fluid channels for cooling, and facilitate heat transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems, thereby managing complexity while delivering multiple benefits.
2Productivity
If core body temperature rises above threshold, then athletic performance decreases, but adding cooling systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the protective apparel structure. Fluid channels are integrated into the protective padding layers, eliminating the need for separate cooling garments or equipment. This integration maintains athletic performance while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid circulation through channels to transfer heat away from the body. By utilizing hydraulic principles for heat transfer, the system achieves effective cooling without complex mechanical components, maintaining simplicity while improving athletic performance in hot conditions.
3Temperature
If fluid channels are added to protective apparel, then temperature regulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel is divided into modular sections with fluid channels integrated into specific protective zones. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce channel-integrated protective panels separately and assemble them into the complete garment, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective temperature regulation.
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 effectively moderates body temperature, enhancing athletic performance by maintaining core temperature within a safe range, while providing impact protection during athletic activities, and can be adapted for various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid channels (330) extend through a back portion (302) of the article of apparel (300), over a shoulder portion (303) of the article of apparel (300) and also through a front portion (301) of the article of apparel (300)
Implementation Method 2
A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector and supply a fluid to the fluid channels
Implementation Method 3
the inner material element (420) being fluid permeable
Implementation Method 4
Articles of apparel, including athletic apparel, may incorporate protective components that are formed from a polymer foam material and impart padding, provide cushioning, or otherwise attenuate impact forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include an article of apparel (300) and a fluid source. The article of apparel incorporates a plurality of fluid channels (330), and the apparel includes a fluid connector (320) in fluid communication with the fluid channels. A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector (320) and supply a fluid to the fluid channels. The article of apparel may include a pad component formed from a polymer foam material, which defines the fluid channels. A pair of material elements may be secured to opposite sides of the pad component, with one of the material elements being fluid permeable adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid channels (330).