Sensing Garment Counterweight and Integration for Breathing Zone Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial hygiene monitoring is hindered by issues such as sampling equipment tugging on clothing, tangling, and inconsistent placement, leading to skewed results and worker discomfort, as well as the need for re-sampling due to equipment shifting and removal.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment that integrates and counter-balances sensing devices, ensuring they remain within the personal breathing zone, using releasable retaining mechanisms and weights for ergonomic distribution and to prevent tangling or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sampling equipment is attached to clothing, then environmental monitoring can be performed, but the equipment tugs on the clothing and causes worker discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight by attaching weights to the garment at positions opposite to the sensing devices. This balances the weight distribution, preventing the sensing devices from tugging on the clothing and improving worker comfort while maintaining monitoring reliability.
2Reliability
If sampling equipment is clipped to clothing, then monitoring can be performed, but the equipment shifts during the workday and samples from incorrect locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing devices directly into the garment structure through integrated pockets, straps, and retaining mechanisms. This integration ensures the equipment remains securely positioned at the correct sampling locations throughout the workday, preventing shifts and maintaining sampling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is pre-configured with strategically positioned pockets, straps, and retaining mechanisms at optimal sampling locations. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when sensing devices are attached, they are automatically positioned correctly for accurate environmental monitoring without requiring adjustment during use.
3Reliability
If wires and hoses are attached to sampling equipment, then functionality is maintained, but they snag on items and cause tangling or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible garment materials and integrated wire channels that allow wires and hoses to move smoothly with the worker's body motions. This flexibility prevents snagging on external items and reduces tangling, while the integrated channels guide the wires to maintain equipment functionality.
4Measurement precision
If sensing devices are integrated into the garment, then consistent sampling in the personal breathing zone is achieved, but the garment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional garment components that serve multiple purposes: pockets provide storage and secure retention for sensing devices, straps offer both structural support and positioning, and weights provide both counterbalancing and structural stability. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while ensuring consistent sampling location.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to sensing garments.