Odor-Controlling Garment Composite Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor-controlling materials, such as activated carbon, fail to effectively absorb the full spectrum of human odors detectable by wild game and other animals, leaving some odors unmasked and potentially revealing the presence of humans.
Innovation Solution
A combination of odor-controlling materials, including activated carbon, treated carbon to adsorb hydrogen sulfide, zeolite, and ammonia stone, are integrated into clothing layers to synergistically absorb and neutralize a broader range of human odors, with varying concentrations applied to different areas of the body to maximize odor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If activated carbon is used to adsorb human odors, then the odor profile of hunters is reduced, but the full spectrum of human odor detectable by target species is not completely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple odor-controlling materials (activated carbon, activated alumina, zeolite, potassium permanganate, and other adsorbents) into a composite material system. Each material targets different aspects of the odor spectrum, with activated carbon handling organic compounds, activated alumina and zeolite addressing polar gases and inorganic compounds, and potassium permanganate oxidizing specific odor molecules. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving more complete odor control while maintaining practical applicability in clothing and gear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different concentrations and types of odor-controlling materials to different body areas based on odor emission patterns. High-odor areas such as the groin, armpits, and feet receive higher concentrations or different material compositions compared to other body regions. This localized approach ensures comprehensive odor control across the entire odor spectrum while optimizing material distribution efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single odor-controlling material is used, then the implementation is simple, but the spectrum of odors controlled is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-material composite system where each component addresses specific odor types: activated carbon for organic compounds, activated alumina for polar gases, zeolite for inorganic compounds, and potassium permanganate for oxidation. This composite structure expands the odor control spectrum while managing complexity through systematic material selection and integration into clothing layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the concentration and composition ratios of different odor-controlling materials based on the specific application and body area. By adjusting material parameters (concentration, distribution, and combination ratios), the system adapts to control different odor spectra without requiring complete redesign of the material system.
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 combination of materials significantly reduces the human odor profile, making it less detectable to target species, providing enhanced camouflage and concealment in hunting or military applications.
Implementation Method 1
Carbon is widely recognized as an odor-controlling material and is used in various industries to eliminate odors... activated carbon formed from coconut shells may be integrated in some camouflage clothing... Adsorption of human odors using carbon has been found to reduce the odor profile of hunters
Implementation Method 2
a second odor-controlling material including a carbon-based material treated to adsorb hydrogen sulfide
Data Source
AI summary
A garment for reducing odor includes material arranged to form at least one of a shirt, a jacket, pants, socks, gloves, a hunting mask, and a hat. The garment has a layer including at least a portion of the at least one of the shirt, the jacket, pants, socks, gloves, the hunting mask, and the hat and a combination of odor-controlling materials provided with the layer. The combination of odor-controlling materials has (a) a first odor-controlling material, the first odor-controlling material including a physical adsorbent and (b) a second odor-controlling material, the second odor-controlling material including an odor neutralizer. The combination of odor-controlling materials is configured to adsorb and neutralize a percentage of odors that engage the layer.