Diver Dry Suit Fluid Channels for Low-Bulk Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal management solutions for divers, such as electric heaters and bulky insulation, are inefficient, bulky, and pose safety risks, making them unsuitable for maintaining safe and comfortable temperatures underwater.

Innovation Solution

A dry suit with internal insulating layers and recessed tubes for heat-transfer fluid channels that provide efficient heating or cooling without concentrating pressure on the diver's skin, using a closed-loop system with quick-disconnect connectors and insulated pathways to minimize energy loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If dry suits are packed with layers of insulation to maintain body temperature in very cold waters, then thermal insulation is improved, but the suit becomes bulky and restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperature maintenanceVSAvoidsuit bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suit is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner layer with recessed channels for heat-transfer fluid, an insulating layer, and an outer water-impermeable layer. This segmentation allows thermal management without requiring bulk insulation throughout the entire suit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a hydraulic system with tubes carrying heat-transfer fluid through recessed channels in the insulating layer. This fluid-based thermal management system replaces bulky static insulation with a dynamic fluid circulation system that provides efficient heating without excessive bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If wet suits include electrically powered heaters to maintain body temperature, then thermal insulation is improved, but shock hazards and electricity supply requirements arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperature maintenanceVSAvoidshock hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electric heating elements with a fluid-based thermal management system. Heat-transfer fluid circulated through recessed channels provides thermal regulation without electrical components, eliminating shock hazards while maintaining temperature control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If tubes are placed directly against the diver's skin for heating, then thermal efficiency is improved, but pressure concentration on the skin occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin temperatureVSAvoidpressure on skin

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed channels are positioned within the insulating layer at a specific distance from the skin surface. This local positioning allows thermal energy transfer while the insulating layer material distributes and reduces pressure concentration on the diver's skin, creating an optimal balance between thermal efficiency and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Temperature

If wet suits use high flow rate of warm water to compensate for insufficient insulation, then temperature maintenance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperature maintenanceVSAvoidenergy for water circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple materials with complementary properties: an insulating layer material for thermal retention, a water-impermeable outer layer for protection, and a structured composite design with recessed channels. This composite structure reduces heat loss more effectively than simple high-flow water circulation, lowering the energy required for thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 efficiently maintains diver temperature with reduced bulk, enhancing mobility and comfort while minimizing pressure points and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a tube disposed within the channel of the insulating layer, the tube constructed and arranged for carrying heat-transfer fluid to a proximity of the diver's skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Warm water flows from the source into the wet suit, where it mixes with water already inside the suit and warms the diver's skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an insulating layer having a channel extending along a diver-facing facing surface thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12583565B2Thermal management for divers

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 BOSTON ENGINEERING CORP

AI summary

A technique for delivering heating or cooling to a diver includes a suit that includes a water-impermeable outer layer, an insulating layer having a channel extending along a diver-facing surface thereof, and a tube disposed within the channel of the insulating layer. The tube is constructed and arranged for carrying heat-transfer fluid to a proximity of the diver's skin.