Conditioning Garment with Fluid Manifolds for Even Torso Thermal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioning garments for torso heating or cooling lack effective solutions for maintaining even temperature distribution and providing adequate support and compression during increased +G-forces and altitude changes, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The conditioning garment features front and rear panels with manifolds and tubes for fluid passage, along with optional chest compression devices, neck supports, and harness tensioning systems to ensure even heat transfer, support, and secure fit during varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional conditioning garments are used for torso heating or cooling, then basic thermal conditioning is provided, but even temperature distribution is not maintained and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The garment divides the torso into multiple zones with separate tubes positioned at different locations (chest, abdomen, back) to provide localized thermal control. Each tube carries fluid independently, allowing differential temperature control across different body regions to maintain even overall temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the garment have different tube configurations and thermal properties tailored to specific body regions. The chest area may have different tube density compared to the back, optimizing heat transfer efficiency for each zone's specific thermal requirements and anatomical characteristics.
2Temperature
If conditioning garments provide basic thermal conditioning, then heating or cooling is achieved, but adequate support and compression during increased +G-forces is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The garment combines thermal conditioning tubes with structural support elements and compression features into a single integrated garment. The garment fabric and tube positioning are designed to provide both thermal transfer and mechanical support during high-G maneuvers, eliminating the need for separate support devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment serves multiple functions simultaneously: thermal conditioning through fluid-carrying tubes, mechanical support during acceleration, and compression for physiological stability. This multi-functional design allows a single garment to address both thermal comfort and physiological support requirements.
3Temperature
If conditioning garments are designed for thermal conditioning, then heating or cooling is provided, but secure fit and tensioning during altitude changes is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates adjustable tensioning mechanisms and flexible tube routing that can adapt to changes in body position and pressure during altitude changes. The garment maintains secure fit through dynamic adjustment capabilities rather than fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment design allows for parameter adjustments in tension, compression, and tube positioning to accommodate varying environmental conditions during altitude changes. These parameter changes enable the garment to maintain optimal fit and function across different operational environments.
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 provides even heating or cooling, enhanced support, and improved security through chest compression and tensioning, ensuring comfort and effectiveness across different environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
tubes extending between the manifolds over the panels for the passage of fluid through the tubes between the manifolds
Data Source
AI summary
A conditioning garment has front and rear panels (11, 12) with a neck opening (13) between them. A manifold (17) extends along the lower edge of the front (11) panel and a manifold (24) extends along the lower edge of the rear panel (12). Tubes (27) extend between the manifolds (17, 24) and carry conditioned liquid over the torso of a wearer to heat/cool the torso. The tubes (27) are equally spaced and generally the same length to provide even heating/cooling. The garment (10) is easy to don and remove. The garment (10) can be modified by the addition of various chest compression devices, a neck support and a harness tensioning device. All these are designed to encounter increased +G-forces on the body of a wearer.