Garment With Thermal Adjustment Layer For Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers in controlled environments, such as operating rooms, often face discomfort due to unregulated ambient temperatures and restrictive uniforms, lacking the ability to adjust their clothing for thermal comfort.
Innovation Solution
A garment with integrated pockets for heating or cooling packs, along with a thermal adjustment layer, allowing for selective warming or cooling and therapeutic applications, and featuring a cinching mechanism for improved fit and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If workers wear restrictive uniform garments in controlled environments, then uniform standards are maintained, but thermal comfort and temperature regulation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates discrete, removable pockets that can be selectively placed in different locations (chest, back, waist) to accommodate heating or cooling packs. This segmentation allows workers to target specific body zones for thermal regulation without changing the entire uniform, maintaining uniform standards while improving temperature control adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment features dynamic elements including removable pockets, adjustable straps, and expandable panels that can be configured based on thermal needs. Workers can add or remove pockets, adjust their position, and modify the garment's fit to adapt to changing temperature requirements throughout the workday, transforming a static uniform into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Temperature
If workers wear thin, lightweight garments in hot environments, then comfort is improved, but warmth and thermal protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The garment introduces thermal packs as intermediary elements between the worker's body and the environment. These packs can be inserted into pockets positioned against the skin, acting as mediators that actively remove or add heat as needed. The lightweight garment fabric serves as a thermal interface, conducting heat between the body and the packs while maintaining breathability and comfort.
3Temperature
If heating or cooling packs are added to garments, then temperature regulation is improved, but device complexity and structural design deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The garment employs universal pocket structures that can accommodate various types of thermal packs (heating, cooling, gel-based, air-based) without requiring different garment designs. The same pocket configuration can serve multiple functions: thermal regulation, weight distribution, and even tool storage when packs are removed. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding thermal capabilities.
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 garment effectively regulates body temperature, providing comfort and therapeutic relief to workers in challenging environments, enhancing their ability to perform tasks without compromising uniform standards.
Implementation Method 1
The pocket includes a thermal adjustment layer configured to selectively block heat transfer between the heating or cooling pack and the layer of material forming the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A garment (100) for selectively warming or cooling a wearer includes a layer of material (101) with one or more pockets (201, 202, 203) coupled thereto. The one or more pockets (201, 202, 203) are configured to selectively receive one or more heating or cooling packs (500). In one embodiment, the one or more pockets (201, 202, 203) include a thermal adjustment layer (405), which may be configured as a thermal adjustment pocket (406), or a foldable layer of material (706). At least a portion of the thermal adjustment layer (405) may be selectively placed either between the one or more heating or cooling packs (204) and the wearer, or between the one or more heating or cooling packs (204) and an outer pocket portion (301) of a pocket (300). The one or more pockets (201, 202, 203) may be detachable from the garment (100), and may be of the same or different material as that of the garment (100).