Breathable Tendon Boot with Ceramic Structural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaiters for heating human or animal body areas often impede movement and are costly to produce, lacking breathability and efficient heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
A gaiter or textile with a carrier layer coated with adhesive structural elements, such as ceramic-filled spherical caps arranged in a grid, promoting air circulation and heat distribution, and produced using a cost-effective multi-layer structure application method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional multi-layer heating gaiters are used, then heat retention is improved, but breathability deteriorates and movement is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous foam base layer with open cell structure that allows air circulation while maintaining thermal insulation. The porous structure enables breathability and prevents overheating, simultaneously providing the thermal retention function through the foam material's insulating properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies structural elements (ceramic-filled spherical caps) selectively at specific locations on the carrier layer where heat distribution is most needed. These elements are distributed in a pattern that optimizes heat transfer to targeted areas while maintaining overall breathability and flexibility of the gaiter.
2Temperature
If complex multi-layer structures are used, then heat distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining a foam base layer with ceramic-filled spherical caps applied to a carrier layer. This composite approach achieves effective heat distribution through the synergistic combination of materials while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the modular assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heating function into separate components: the foam base layer provides thermal insulation, the carrier layer serves as a substrate for structural elements, and the ceramic-filled spherical caps provide localized heat distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled efficiently.
3Temperature
If structural elements are densely applied, then heat distribution is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies structural elements in a distributed pattern rather than uniformly across the entire surface. The elements are positioned at specific locations where heat transfer is most beneficial, maintaining adequate spacing between them to preserve air circulation and breathability while achieving effective localized heat distribution.
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 gaiter enhances breathability, improves heat distribution, and reduces local overheating by promoting air circulation, while being cost-effective and easy to produce, suitable for applications like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries in horses.
Implementation Method 1
structural elements E made of heat-reflecting and/or heat-absorbing material applied or formed on the backing layer 1
Implementation Method 2
the distribution of body heat via the structural elements E in the surface of the backing layer 1
Implementation Method 3
promoting air circulation and heat distribution
Implementation Method 4
the surface of the carrier layer is coated at least in partial areas with adhesive and the structural elements are thrown against the surface of the carrier layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A horse blanket has a flexible base layer (1) of natural fibre with an array of raised heat-conducting structural nipples or elements (E). The structural elements are e.g. semi-hemispheres, half-balls, cylinders, pyramids, prisms or rings.