Fluid-Conveying Conduits in Protective Gear for Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes participating in sports, especially football players, face significant risks of heat-related illnesses and performance decline due to inadequate methods for effectively regulating core body temperature, with existing cooling techniques being cumbersome and ineffective in hot environments, and heating methods insufficient in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fluid-conveying conduits within protective gear, such as football pads and helmets, to facilitate convective and conductive cooling or heating by routing a gas through these conduits, which can be connected to an external or internal fluid source, allowing for efficient temperature modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling methods (cool towels, ice packs) are used, then some cooling effect is achieved, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient to prevent overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas (typically nitrogen or oxygen) delivered through tubing integrated into the protective gear. The pressurized gas flows through channels in the padding material, creating forced convection currents that significantly enhance heat transfer from the body to the gas stream, thereby achieving reliable and effective cooling that overcomes the limitations of passive cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous padding material with integrated cooling channels that allow pressurized gas to flow through the porous structure. The porous nature of the material increases the surface area for heat exchange between the gas and the body, while maintaining the protective function of the gear. This combination enables effective heat removal while preserving the structural integrity and protective capabilities of the equipment.
2Strength
If heavy equipment and uniform are required for football players, then protective function is improved, but heat stress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the cooling function by integrating the cooling system directly into the protective gear structure. The tubing and cooling channels are incorporated within the padding and uniform layers, allowing the same equipment that provides protection to also serve as the cooling delivery system. This eliminates the need for separate cooling apparatus and maintains protective integrity while adding thermal regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective gear is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: impact protection, thermal insulation, and active cooling delivery. The padding material and uniform structure are engineered to provide mechanical protection while also serving as the conduit and exchange medium for the pressurized gas cooling system, thereby reducing heat stress risk without compromising protective function.
3Temperature
If contact conductance cooling methods are used, then some cooling is achieved, but the methods are cumbersome and partially ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to be self-contained and automatically functional once activated. The pressurized gas flows through the integrated tubing and padding structure without requiring manual application or adjustment by the athlete. The system self-regulates the cooling process through the forced convection mechanism, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual cooling procedures and providing ease of operation during athletic activities.
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
This solution effectively reduces or increases body temperature, enhancing athlete safety and performance by providing a reliable means to manage heat stress, with the ability to cool athletes in hot conditions and warm vulnerable limbs in cold conditions, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving performance.
Implementation Method 1
facilitate convective and conductive cooling or heating by routing a gas through these conduits
Implementation Method 2
facilitate convective and conductive cooling or heating by routing a gas through these conduits
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides materials and methods for convective and/or conductive and/or evaporative cooling of individuals, such as athletes and contestants, for safety, comfort, and enhanced performance. The materials and methods of the subject invention can, advantageously, be used to modify body core temperature or rate of change of temperature. Other uses include heating players or player parts (e.g., a kicker's leg, a pitcher's arm) in cold weather conditions.