Evaporative Cooling Head Covering with Hydrogel Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head coverings, such as those made from woven fabrics like cotton, are inadequate for maintaining comfort in extreme temperatures and humid climates, as they lose cooling capacity and become ill-fitting and stiff during prolonged use, especially for individuals working outdoors or in protective gear.
Innovation Solution
A head covering with a triangular fabric sheet featuring evaporative cooling fabrics made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers or gels, combined with stretchable panels for comfort and fit, which can be secured to the head to provide a cooling effect by evaporative cooling, and can be reused by re-introducing water to sustain the cooling effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If woven fabrics like cotton are used for head coverings, then the fabric can absorb sweat and provide cooling through evaporation, but the cooling capacity becomes diminished in intense, humid climates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional cotton to a hydrogel composite material that maintains superior sweat absorption and evaporative cooling performance specifically in humid environments, thereby adapting the head covering's cooling capacity to withstand intense humid climates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material structure combining hydrogel with fabric, where the hydrogel layer provides enhanced moisture management properties that maintain evaporative cooling effectiveness in humid conditions, overcoming the limitations of single-material cotton fabrics
2Duration of action of moving object
If head coverings are worn for prolonged periods in extreme temperatures, then thermoregulation support is provided, but the fabric becomes stretched, stiff, and ill-fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexible, conformable nature of hydrogel material that can stretch and adapt to head movements and shapes, maintaining proper fit and flexibility throughout prolonged wear without becoming stiff, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended duration of use and compositional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel material exhibits dynamic properties that allow it to adapt to changing conditions during prolonged use, maintaining flexibility and fit through movement and deformation rather than becoming rigid, enabling both extended duration of action and compositional stability
3Temperature
If evaporative cooling fabric is introduced to water, then the cooling effect is enhanced, but the fabric requires repeated wetting to sustain the effect
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel material's superior moisture retention and controlled release properties enable continuous evaporative cooling action over extended periods without requiring frequent re-wetting, thereby maintaining the cooling effect continuously and reducing the time loss associated with re-wetting operations
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 head covering maintains a temperature 5° F to 35° F cooler than ambient air, providing effective thermoregulation and comfort over extended periods without becoming stiff or ill-fitting, suitable for workers and athletes in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one evaporative cooling fabric secured to the inner surface of the fabric sheet
Implementation Method 2
a first stretchable fabric panel located on or within the fabric sheet, and a second stretchable fabric panel located on or within the fabric sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a covering adapted for the head that includes a generally rectangular shaped fabric sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the fabric sheet having at least one evaporative cooling fabric secured to the inner surface of the fabric sheet, and a first and second elastic fabric panel located on or within the fabric sheet. A method of aiding thermoregulation of the human body and a kit including a covering and instructions for use is also provided.