Mesh Liner Layer for Firefighter Garment Thermal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firefighter protective garments often suffer from heat retention and moisture buildup due to traditional thermal insulating layers, leading to discomfort and increased weight, which can impair performance during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mesh liner layer made of spun materials between the outer shell and moisture barrier layer, providing improved thermal resistance and breathability without significant weight addition, using materials like spun Nomex or Kevlar with large holes for enhanced air circulation and reduced material density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a traditional thermal insulating layer (facecloth quilted to batting or felt) is used, then thermal protection is provided, but heat and perspiration are retained causing discomfort and increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidgarment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mesh liner layer with openwork or mesh structure that allows air circulation and moisture vapor transmission while providing thermal protection. The porous structure enables breathability and reduces moisture buildup compared to traditional solid batting or felt layers, thereby reducing weight while maintaining thermal protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple materials in a layered construction: outer shell (aramid/para-aramid), moisture barrier layer (semi-permeable membrane), and mesh liner layer (openwork material). This composite structure integrates the benefits of each material to achieve thermal protection, breathability, and reduced weight simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If a traditional thermal insulating layer is used, then thermal protection is provided, but moisture buildup occurs causing discomfort and potential overexertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidbreathability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh liner layer's openwork structure provides channels for air circulation and moisture vapor transmission. This porous design allows sweat vapor to escape while maintaining thermal protection, significantly improving breathability compared to traditional solid insulating layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh liner layer acts as an intermediary between the outer shell and the moisture barrier layer. It facilitates moisture vapor transmission while maintaining thermal protection, serving as a mediator that balances thermal insulation with breathability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If heavier thermal insulating layers are used to improve thermal protection, then temperature protection increases, but firefighter performance is impaired due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protective performanceVSAvoidfirefighter performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh liner layer provides thermal protection through its porous structure that traps air while allowing vapor transmission. This approach achieves adequate thermal protective performance (increased by at least 15 points compared to prior art) without the weight penalty of traditional dense insulating materials, thereby maintaining firefighter performance and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 mesh liner layer increases thermal protective performance by at least 15 points, reduces weight, and enhances mobility and comfort, while maintaining flame and abrasion resistance, thus addressing the issues of heat retention and moisture buildup in firefighter garments.

Implementation Method 1

The mesh liner layer is made of a spun material... increases thermal protective performance by at least 15 points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

providing improved thermal resistance and breathability... reduces material density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction resistance: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

large holes for enhanced air circulation... reduces material density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 4

allows moisture vapor to exit the protective garment... enhances air circulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor transmission: Permeation

Implementation Method 5

reduces material density... made of a spun material... large holes for enhanced air circulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMaterial density reduction:

Data Source

PatentUS8516615B2Protective garment including a mesh liner layer

Publication Date: 2013.08.27 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC

AI summary

A protective garment comprising an outer shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The protective garment further comprising a moisture barrier layer, a thermal insulating layer and a mesh liner layer. The thermal insulating layer comprises at least one of a facecloth material, a batting material, a spunlace material and a felt material, and the mesh liner layer is unattached to the thermal insulating layer.