Insulative System With Segmented Cells For Breathable Thermal Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard insulated garments, such as those with grid-like or 'puffer-style' designs, fail to adequately regulate temperature during high aerobic activities in cold environments due to lack of airflow and breathability, which reduces their thermal capacity and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating insulative system comprising rows of insulated cells attached to a fabric layer with channels in between for air flow, where each cell is attached on one set of opposing sides to the shell, allowing air to flow over and under the cells for improved temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If standard insulated garments with grid-like or puffer-style quilting are used, then warmth is maintained, but breathability and air flow are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative system divides the insulation material into discrete cells arranged in rows, with each cell attached to the shell at only one end. This segmentation creates channels between cells that allow air flow while maintaining insulation effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between warmth and breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different attachment patterns to different regions of the insulative system. Cells in the lower portion are attached to the shell at one end to create air flow channels, while cells in the upper portion may have different attachment patterns. This local differentiation optimizes both warmth and breathability in different zones.
2Ease of operation
If traditional quilting applications are used to achieve temperature regulation, then some breathability is improved, but garment loft and thermal capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative system is pre-configured with cells attached at specific locations before use. This preliminary arrangement creates built-in air flow channels that activate automatically during wear, providing temperature regulation without compromising thermal capacity or requiring additional design modifications.
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 maintains warmth in cold temperatures while preventing overheating during high aerobic activities by enhancing breathability and air flow around the body.
Implementation Method 1
Each cell within a row is preferably attached to the shell via a first set of opposing sides while remaining unattached to the shell on a second set of opposing sides. Attaching the cells to the shell in this manner may allow air to flow over and/or under the cells to help improve temperature regulation around the wearer's body.
Implementation Method 2
Attaching the cells to the shell in this manner may allow air to flow over and/or under the cells to help improve temperature regulation around the wearer's body.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell pattern is provided that may be arranged on an interior portion of a garment or other outdoor equipment. The cell pattern may help keep a garment wearer warm while also improving the breathability of the garment. The cell pattern may comprise warming cells that may take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, but the cells are preferably square-shaped and arranged in rows a “running-bond” or offset brick-like pattern. Rows of cells may be attached to a shell material, with each of row of insulated cells separated from one another by non-insulated channels. Each cell within a row is preferably attached to the shell on two of its opposite sides such that air flows over and under the cells to improve temperature regulation around the wearer's body.