Shoulder-Mounted Hood Cooling System for Arc Flash Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc protection hoods do not effectively address the issue of cooling for workers exposed to arc flash, as they primarily focus on head protection without adequate cooling solutions for the neck and torso areas.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder-mounted hood cooling assembly with a blower support and vents that direct air to the neck and head, utilizing curved shoulder mounts, chest portions, and a back portion to create a neck accommodating space, with internal ducts and vents to channel air for effective cooling, and adjustable abutments for a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If arc protection hood is worn to protect against arc flash, then head protection is provided, but cooling for neck and torso areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is extracted as a separate wearable unit (shoulder-mounted blower assembly) independent from the hood structure, allowing dedicated cooling functionality without compromising the hood's protective design
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air is delivered through intermediary delivery mechanisms including shrouds, ducts, and diffusers that channel air from the blower to the user's neck and torso areas, effectively bridging the gap between the cooling source and target zones
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blower is mounted to direct air to neck and head, then cooling coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower assembly is designed as a universal cooling device that can serve multiple body zones (neck, head, torso) through adjustable positioning and multiple air delivery paths, consolidating multiple cooling functions into a single wearable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components including movable shrouds, adjustable ducts, and repositionable blower mounting, allowing the cooling system to adapt to different user needs and body positions while maintaining manageable complexity
3Temperature
If air flow is directed under hood rim, then head cooling is achieved, but neck and torso cooling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air delivery system is segmented into multiple independent pathways and outlets: one set directed toward the head/hood area and another set directed toward the neck and torso regions, allowing simultaneous and independent cooling of different body zones
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system extends coverage from the traditional two-dimensional head/face area into the third dimension by directing air flow downward along the neck and onto the torso, creating volumetric cooling coverage throughout the upper body
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 provides comprehensive cooling to the neck and head, enhancing user comfort and safety by ensuring effective air circulation under the protective hood, even during prolonged exposure to arc flash hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a blower 22 carried by a blower support 24. The blower support 24 is adapted to be carried by the shoulders of a user 34 when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder mounted hood cooling assembly includes a support, a blower carried by the support, and vents in fluid communication with the blower. The support when worn by a user positions at least a portion of the support adjacent the user's shoulder's and the vents are positioned to direct air exhausted from the blower to a neck or to a head or both the neck and the head of the user.