Garment Microclimate System with Vertical Insulation Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor jackets lack versatility in managing body microclimate, often leaving wearers either too hot, too cold, or too sweaty due to limited design in addressing varying external and internal climate conditions, particularly failing to regulate moisture and temperature effectively across different activities and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microclimate system incorporating a breathable outer barrier, vertically placed insulation tubes for air circulation, and a strategic venting system with air vents to manage temperature and humidity, allowing for efficient moisture removal and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a jacket is heavily insulated for cold weather, then warmth is improved, but breathability and moisture management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer shell layer for weather protection, a middle insulation layer with vertical tubes for thermal regulation, and an inner lining layer for moisture management. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, enabling the jacket to provide warmth while managing moisture and temperature effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical tubes in the insulation layer can be dynamically opened or closed using zippers or Velcro fasteners, allowing the wearer to adjust ventilation and moisture wicking properties in real-time based on activity level and weather conditions, thus preventing overheating and excessive moisture buildup.
2Reliability
If a jacket is designed for specific climate conditions, then performance in that climate is improved, but versatility across different climates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket integrates multiple functions into a single garment: the outer shell provides waterproof and windproof protection, the vertical tube insulation system provides thermal regulation with adjustable ventilation, and the moisture-wicking lining manages perspiration. This multi-functionality allows the jacket to perform reliably across diverse climate conditions from cold and dry to warm and humid.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional venting zippers are used, then some moisture removal is achieved, but effective microclimate regulation deteriorates due to limited control
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single venting mechanism, the jacket incorporates multiple vertical tubes distributed across the torso at different locations, each independently controllable with its own zipper or Velcro fastener. This allows localized adjustment of ventilation and moisture wicking in specific body zones based on where heat and moisture accumulation occurs most, providing precise microclimate control.
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
Enables the wearer to maintain dryness, comfort, and performance across various outdoor conditions by effectively regulating heat and moisture through enhanced ventilation and insulation, addressing the limitations of existing jackets.
Implementation Method 1
an outer barrier/shell that provides protection from the elements
Implementation Method 2
insulation that incorporates long vertical tubes giving positive and negative spaces and provides for air circulation
Implementation Method 3
air vents, which are sized and positioned to create a negative air pressure so the excess heated air is sucked out in an efficient way
Data Source
AI summary
A garment of at least one layer of fabric (303) with air vents (103) and which is further characterized in that it has a set of tubes (202) attached to the inside of the garment creating space between the garment and the body (301) of the user, the tubes (202) are elongated and run continuously at least most of the length of the garment.