Pet Apparel with UV Rash Guard and Cooling Crystals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective clothing for pets lacks ultraviolet protection and cooling capabilities, particularly for dogs, which are susceptible to heat exhaustion and sunburn, and current solutions fail to provide secure and lightweight options suitable for long-term wear during strenuous activities.

Innovation Solution

Development of lightweight pet clothing and hats made from ultraviolet protective rash guard material with integrated cooling crystals, designed to shield pets from UV rays and provide evaporative cooling through hydrophilic polymeric crystals, which can be soaked in water to enhance cooling efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional protective clothing for pets is used, then basic coverage is provided, but ultraviolet protection and cooling capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV radiation protectionVSAvoidprotective capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by integrating cooling crystals into the fabric structure to create a material that provides both UV protection and active cooling capabilities. The rash guard material serves as the base composite structure that combines protective and thermal regulation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the clothing by incorporating phase-change cooling crystals that absorb and release heat, dynamically adjusting the temperature regulation properties of the fabric to maintain coolness during outdoor activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If cooling capabilities are added to pet clothing, then heat mitigation is improved, but weight and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidclothing weight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin film structures to embed cooling crystals within the fabric layers, maintaining a lightweight and flexible design. The cooling crystals are integrated into thin fabric pockets or layers that do not significantly increase the overall weight or bulk of the clothing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling crystals utilize phase-change parameter transitions to provide cooling effects without requiring heavy mechanical cooling systems. The phase-change material absorbs heat during melting, providing active cooling with minimal weight addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If hats are designed for pet wear, then sun protection is provided, but securement during activities is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun protectionVSAvoidsecurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hat design into adjustable components with multiple attachment points and sizing options, allowing the hat to be customized for different head sizes and shapes. This segmentation enables better fit and securement during active movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment features such as elastic bands, adjustable straps, and flexible materials that allow the hat to move with the pet's head while maintaining secure attachment during running and playing activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If clothing is designed for long-term wear, then comfort is improved, but adaptability to different activities is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear comfortVSAvoidactivity adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the clothing with multi-functional features that allow it to adapt to various activities. The rash guard material provides both UV protection and cooling, while adjustable elements allow the same garment to fit different body types and accommodate various levels of physical activity, from walking to running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively protects pets from UV radiation and heat exhaustion by maintaining them cool and comfortable, with the cooling effect lasting several hours, even in high temperatures, while ensuring secure and comfortable wear during outdoor activities.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling zone is comprised of a plurality of cooling crystals formed in a cavity located within the article. In one embodiment, the cooling crystals are comprised of hydrophilic polymeric material.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the cooling crystals absorb the water to provide a cooling structure to the article as it is worn

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10695214B2Protective clothing and apparel for pets and animals and method of use
Publication Date: 2020.06.30 HILTON TERESA
  • US10695214B2 patent drawing
  • US10695214B2 patent drawing
  • US10695214B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Protective clothing and apparel for pets and animals, and method of using same, structured as a shirt and/or hat made of an ultraviolet protective rash guard material with at least on portion having cooling crystals integrated therein. In a first embodiment the clothing is directed to a pet shirt constructed having a top portion, bottom portion, and side portions arranged to form a generally tubular member having an opened torso end, two leg members, and a collar member. In a second embodiment the clothing is directed to a pet hat constructed having a top portion, side portions and a front portion having a visor member attached thereto, the side portions having a lower rim. Two ear members and securement means are integrated within the lower rim of the side portions. At least a portion of the shirt/hat comprises ultraviolet properties. Additionally, at least a portion of the shirt/hat comprises a cooling zone formed of a plurality of cooling crystals. Owing to the ultraviolet material and cooling crystals the pet clothing shields pets/dogs from harmful ultraviolet rays while keeping them cool and comfortable and mitigating heat exhaustion.