Configurable Convective Device for Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional convective devices with pneumatic structures face challenges in maintaining efficient air distribution and pressure when bent, leading to pressure drops and reduced effectiveness in providing warmth, especially when reconfigured for different body parts.
Innovation Solution
A configurable convective device with a flexible first layer and a second layer joined by a seal around a common periphery, featuring a separation device and an air-guide device to direct inflation medium flow, allowing for reconfiguration and minimizing pressure drops when bent, and an attachment device for secure garment integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumatic structure is bent to reconfigure for different body parts, then adaptability is improved, but pressure drops and air distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An air guide device is introduced as an intermediary component within the pneumatic structure to direct and channel inflation medium flow. This mediator ensures that even when the structure is bent, the air flow is properly directed along the bend path, preventing pressure drops and maintaining effective air distribution to the intended areas
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide device changes the flow parameters of the inflation medium by directing it along specific paths within the pneumatic structure. When the structure bends, the air guide modifies the flow direction and pressure distribution parameters to compensate for the bend-induced pressure drops, maintaining effective air delivery
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumatic structure is bent, then configurability is improved, but air distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device serves as a flow intermediary that actively manages air distribution within the bent pneumatic structure. It ensures that air flow is efficiently directed along the bend path, preventing turbulence and pressure losses that would otherwise reduce air distribution efficiency when the structure is reconfigured
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide device is pre-positioned within the pneumatic structure to anticipate and prepare for potential bends. By having the flow direction guidance already in place before bending occurs, the system maintains efficient air distribution even when reconfigured for different body parts
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 device maintains efficient air distribution and warmth across different body configurations, reducing pressure drops and enhancing comfort by directing inflation medium flow effectively, even when the device is bent or repositioned.
Implementation Method 1
maintains efficient air distribution and pressure when bent
Implementation Method 2
configurable convective device
Implementation Method 3
direct flow of inflation medium at a bending area when at least one of the first and second portions is bent
Data Source
AI summary
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a combination, comprising: a garment, a configurable convective device, and an attachment device configured to attach the configurable convective device to the garment. The configurable convective device comprises a pneumatic structure having a first portion, a second portion, and an inflatable channel connecting the first portion and the second portion and at least one opening into the pneumatic structure. In some cases, the relative positions of the first portion and the second portion of the pneumatic structure can be rearranged.