Cryogenic Protective Suit With Integrated Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective measures for operators in cryopreservation cooling systems are inadequate, as they fail to provide reliable thermal insulation and mobility at extremely low temperatures, posing risks of frostbite and limiting the duration of safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A protective suit comprising a thermally insulating jacket with a heating device, designed to maintain a physiologically acceptable temperature and minimize heat dissipation, ensuring complete body insulation and flexibility, even in contact with liquid nitrogen, with features like electrical resistance heating, multi-layered construction, and a gas-tight envelope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional protective measures (space suits, diving suits) are used in cryopreservation cooling systems, then operators can be protected from extreme cold, but the protective measures fail to provide reliable thermal insulation and mobility at temperatures below -100°C

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation reliabilityVSAvoidmobility in protective suit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the thermal insulation properties of the protective suit through controllable heating elements. The heating power can be modified based on ambient temperature conditions, allowing the suit to maintain optimal thermal insulation at extremely low temperatures while ensuring mobility through controlled thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The protective suit employs composite materials including multi-layered insulation structures combining thermally insulating materials with flexible components. This composite construction provides both reliable thermal insulation against extreme cold and maintained mobility through the strategic integration of flexible materials in critical movement areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If thermally insulating jacket material is used to provide complete body insulation, then heat dissipation is minimized, but the jacket material becomes rigid and reduces operator mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidmobility in protective suit
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by providing different thermal insulation characteristics in different regions of the protective suit. Highly insulating materials are used in areas requiring maximum thermal protection, while more flexible materials are incorporated in joint areas and limbs to maintain mobility. The heating elements are also strategically positioned to provide localized thermal management where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective suit incorporates dynamic thermal management through controllable heating elements that can adjust their output based on real-time temperature sensing. This dynamic response allows the suit to optimize the balance between thermal insulation and flexibility by adjusting thermal properties in response to environmental conditions and operator needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If heating device is connected to body suit to maintain physiologically acceptable temperature, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidheating device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is designed with self-regulating capabilities through integrated temperature sensors and control systems that automatically adjust heating output based on measured temperatures. This self-service approach maintains operator safety by continuously monitoring and adjusting thermal conditions without requiring complex external control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable temperature maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If multi-layered construction is used to enhance thermal insulation, then thermal protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective suit is constructed using segmentation by dividing the thermal insulation system into distinct modular layers, each serving specific thermal or functional purposes. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing of individual layers that can be assembled through systematic processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving enhanced thermal protection through the combined effect of multiple specialized layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 suit provides reliable thermal protection and mobility for extended periods, allowing safe operation in environments below -100°C, preventing frostbite and ensuring the operator's safety and effectiveness in cryopreservation tasks.

Implementation Method 1

The heating device (30) is connected to the body suit (10) and is matched to the thermal conductivity of the jacket material (20) in such a way that a physiologically acceptable temperature (temperature above -30°C, in particular above -10°C, e.g. 0°C or above ) is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the body suit is made of a thermally insulating jacket (shell) material... The protective suit provides complete and safe thermal insulation of the operator's entire body. At the same time, the heat dissipation from the operator into the cold room is minimized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2670265B1Protective suit for use in a cooling chamber
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2670265B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2670265B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2670265B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A protective suit (100), especially for an operator (1) in a cooling chamber that is cooled using liquid nitrogen or vapor of the liquid nitrogen comprises a body suit (10) which has a thermally insulating, gas-tight cover material (20) and is designed to accommodate the operator (1), and a heating device (30) which is connected to the body suit (10) and is designed to heat the interior of the protective suit (100). A glove (70) which is made of a thermally insulating glove material (71) and includes a glove heater (77) is also described.