Duplex Thermal Transfer Pack with Humectant Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat transfer garments face challenges in maintaining a temperature difference that is sufficient for effective heat transfer without causing tissue damage, and they are not adaptable for various environmental conditions such as high heat or cold environments.

Innovation Solution

A duplex thermal transfer pack system is developed, comprising a large bag with smaller sub-bags filled with water and a humectant solution that freezes into a malleable consistency, allowing for efficient heat absorption or release while maintaining comfort and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a temperature difference that is great enough is used to transfer sufficient heat, then heat transfer effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to solid (freezing) as the heat transfer medium transitions from a liquid state at higher temperatures to a solid state at lower temperatures. This phase change provides a controlled, gradual temperature reduction that maintains effectiveness while avoiding the harmful effects of extreme temperature differences that would cause tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Device complexity

If a single heat transfer medium is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot adapt to various environmental conditions such as high heat or cold environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal heat transfer system that can function in both hot and cold environments by using water as the base medium. The system adapts to different environmental conditions through the phase transition properties of water and the use of humectants that modify freezing behavior, allowing the same basic structure to provide cooling in hot environments and heating in cold environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by incorporating humectants into the water-based heat transfer medium. These humectants modify the physical properties of water, particularly its freezing point and phase transition characteristics, allowing the system to adapt its thermal behavior to match different environmental conditions without changing the fundamental system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If water is used as the heat transfer medium, then heat absorption capacity is high, but the pack becomes rigid and uncomfortable when frozen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat absorption capacityVSAvoidcomfort and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite heat transfer medium by combining water with humectants. This composite material maintains the high heat absorption capacity of water while the humectant component prevents the formation of a rigid, uncomfortable frozen structure. The composite allows the pack to remain flexible and comfortable against the skin even when frozen, solving the contradiction between heat capacity and comfort.

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 system effectively regulates body temperature in diverse environments, enhancing human performance by providing a customizable and comfortable heat transfer mechanism that absorbs or releases heat without causing tissue damage, suitable for both hot and cold conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the use of a phase change provides a steady temperature for the heat transfer medium as it is transitioning from a solid to a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the use of a phase change allows the absorption of much more heat that would be possible in its absence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

An outer garment may be used to locate a suitable beat transfer medium against the user's torso

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11650017B2Duplex thermal transfer pack

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 KILBEY BRYAN E

AI summary

The present invention comprises a duplex thermal transfer pack. The pack includes a large bag containing many smaller sub bags. Each sub bag contains plain water. The volume within the large bag but outside the sub bags contains a second substance. This second substance freezes with a consistency akin to crushed ice or packed snow. The second substance allows the thermal transfer pack to remain malleable even when its contents are frozen.