Flexible Cooling Garment Pockets for Icepack Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooling garments and icepacks are often rigid or inflexible, failing to adequately support the weight of icepacks and conform to the wearer's body, causing discomfort during activity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cooling garment system with pockets made of a non-stretch inner layer and stretch outer layer, combined with shoulder straps and icepacks featuring flexion areas and apertures, to secure and conform icepacks to the body, maintaining contact and shape during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid cooling garments are used, then they can support the weight of icepacks, but they do not conform to the wearer's body and cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling garment incorporates flexible materials that can conform to the wearer's body contours while maintaining structural integrity to support icepack weight. The garment uses flexible straps and adjustable fastening systems that adapt to different body shapes and sizes, eliminating the discomfort caused by rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment design allows for adjustable parameters such as strap length, fastening tension, and pocket positioning to optimize both support capability and body conformity. By making these parameters adjustable, the garment can be customized for different wearers and activity levels, resolving the contradiction between strength and comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid icepacks are used, then they can maintain shape, but they do not conform to the body and cause discomfort during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The icepacks are designed with flexible outer shells that can conform to body contours while maintaining their internal structure and cooling capacity. The flexible material allows the icepacks to adapt to body movements and positioning changes without losing their shape or effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The icepack design incorporates dynamic flexibility, allowing them to change shape in response to body movements and positioning. The flexible construction enables the icepacks to dynamically adapt to different body positions during activity while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to retain their cooling function.
3Ease of operation
If flexible materials are used for cooling garments, then they can conform to the body, but they may not adequately support the weight of icepacks
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling garment utilizes composite material construction, combining flexible fabrics with reinforcing elements such as rigid straps, buckles, and pocket structures. This composite approach allows the garment to maintain flexibility and body conformity while the reinforced components provide the necessary strength to support icepack weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into different functional zones with varying material properties. Flexible materials are used in areas requiring body conformity, while stronger, more rigid materials are concentrated in areas needing to support weight, such as strap attachments and icepack pockets. This segmentation allows each area to optimize its properties for its specific function.
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 ensures continuous contact and conformability of icepacks to the wearer's body, reducing discomfort and strain by allowing for a range of motion while maintaining cooling efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pockets on the vest configured to receive one or more icepacks
Implementation Method 2
a second outer layer of material which may comprise a stretch material. The stretch material of the second outer layer of the pocket may help secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a cooling garment. The cooling garment can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer. One or more pockets on the vest may be configured to receive one or more icepacks. The one or more pockets may include a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets. The one or more pockets can further include a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.