Head cooling apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a personal cooling apparatus that effectively cools the head of a user in various positions, particularly in environments with elevated temperatures, such as attics or rooftops, where traditional cooling devices are inadequate due to their inability to function while the user is in confined or oriented positions.
Innovation Solution
A head cooling apparatus comprising a portable pump assembly and a headgear assembly with a conformable pouch heat exchanger, flexible fluid transfer conduits, and a foldable heat exchanger to circulate a cooling fluid around the head, ensuring effective cooling regardless of user orientation, along with optional features like a thermostat and timer for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cooling device is used, then cooling function is provided, but it cannot function effectively when the user is in various orientations or confined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed to be portable and wearable, allowing it to move with the user and maintain proper orientation relative to gravity regardless of the user's position. The dynamic positioning capability enables the cooling system to function effectively whether the user is standing, sitting, crawling, or lying down in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear assembly uses flexible conformable pouches that can adapt to different head shapes and positions. These flexible components maintain thermal contact with the user's head regardless of orientation, ensuring reliable cooling function in various confined positions and orientations.
2Reliability
If a sealed loop system is used to circulate fluid, then cooling effectiveness is maintained in various orientations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate functional modules: a portable pump assembly containing the fluid circulation system, and a headgear assembly containing the thermal contact components. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability across various orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly integrates multiple components including the fluid reservoir, pump mechanism, and heat exchanger into a single portable unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining sealed loop functionality for reliable cooling in various orientations.
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 apparatus provides reliable and portable head cooling by circulating cooled fluid through a sealed loop, maintaining effective cooling in various orientations and environments, with the ability to adjust for different head sizes and temperatures, and allowing for easy replacement of the cooling source.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger adjacent the replaceable cooling source
Implementation Method 2
a pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A head cooling apparatus is provided for cooling a head of a user. The head cooling apparatus includes a portable pump assembly having a foldable heat exchanger formed into a pocket to substantially receive a replaceable cooling source, the foldable heat exchanger including a first exchanger half including a channel, a center portion connected to the first exchanger half, and a second exchanger half connected to the center portion. The head cooling apparatus also includes a headgear assembly in fluid communication with the portable pump assembly, the headgear assembly configured to be worn adjacent a user's head, the headgear assembly including a conformable pouch configured to be positioned adjacent a user's head. The first exchanger half and second exchanger half are foldable along the center portion such that a replaceable cooling source is substantially sandwiched between the first exchanger half and second exchanger half.