Convective Device Flow Control for Multi-Section Thermal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convective devices with multiple inflatable sections face challenges in efficiently controlling airflow between sections, leading to suboptimal thermal distribution and comfort, particularly in maintaining normothermia and thermal comfort.
Innovation Solution
A convective device featuring a flow control device with an air permeable strip and an air impermeable strip, configured to open when the second inflatable section is inflated and remain closed when the first section is inflated, allowing controlled airflow and pressure management between sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a flow control device is added to control airflow between sections, then thermal distribution and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convective device is divided into multiple inflatable sections (first inflatable section, second inflatable section) with a flow control device disposed between them. This segmentation allows independent control of airflow to different sections, enabling optimized thermal distribution across different body zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device incorporates movable components including an air permeable strip and an air impermeable strip that can dynamically change positions. The air impermeable strip can move between covering and uncovering the air permeable strip, allowing real-time adjustment of airflow between sections based on thermal requirements, thus improving thermal comfort without requiring complex mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If airflow is controlled directionally between sections, then thermal comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device operates autonomously based on pressure differential between sections. When the second inflatable section is inflated, pressure differential automatically causes the air impermeable strip to move and uncover the air permeable strip, allowing airflow. When the first section is inflated, the opposite pressure differential keeps the strip covered. This self-regulating mechanism provides automatic thermal comfort control without complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device utilizes pneumatic pressure differential between the first and second inflatable sections to control the position of the air impermeable strip. The inflating medium pressure automatically actuates the flow control mechanism, enabling directional airflow control and thermal comfort management through simple pneumatic actuation rather than complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
3Reliability
If multiple inflatable sections are used, then thermal control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convective device is divided into multiple inflatable sections (first inflatable section, second inflatable section) with a flow control device disposed between them. This segmentation allows independent control of airflow to different sections, enabling optimized thermal distribution across different body zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device serves multiple functions: it controls airflow direction between sections, regulates pressure distribution, and enables independent inflation/deflation of different sections. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple structure comprising an air permeable strip and an air impermeable strip, reducing the need for additional complex components while maintaining reliable thermal control effectiveness.
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 enables effective thermal control and comfort by ensuring that warmed air is distributed uniformly, addressing the challenges of maintaining normothermia and thermal comfort by managing airflow directionally between inflatable sections.
Implementation Method 1
The air permeable strip has a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end
Implementation Method 2
The air impermeable strip is configured to cover the air permeable strip in a close state of the flow control device and uncover the air permeable strip in a open state of the flow control device
Implementation Method 3
The flow control device is configured to open when the second inflatable section is inflated with inflating medium. The flow control device is configured to remain closed when the first inflatable section is inflated with inflating medium
Data Source
AI summary
At least some aspects of the present disclose feature a flow control device to be used between two inflatable sections. The flow control device is a one-way flow control device allowing inflating medium to flow in one direction. In such embodiments, the flow control device is in an open state when a first inflatable section is inflated such that a second inflatable section is also inflated. The flow control device is in close state when the second inflatable section is inflated such that the first inflatable section is not inflated.