Sleeping Bag Liner With Reflective Insulation and Moisture Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermally insulated garments using metal foil or metalized bubble-pack materials often lead to moisture buildup due to the inability to effectively transmit moisture vapor, causing discomfort in cold conditions.

Innovation Solution

A thermally insulated article with a reflective metal foil or metalized polymeric insulating layer featuring a plurality of one-way moisture transference apertures, allowing moisture vapor to escape while preventing external air ingress, integrated into clothing and sleeping bags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If reflective metal foil or metalized polymeric insulation material is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but moisture vapor transmission is blocked causing moisture buildup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidmoisture buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by incorporating hydrophilic gel capsules within the polymeric structure of the insulation material. These gel capsules create microporous pathways that allow moisture vapor to permeate through the otherwise impermeable metalized layer, preventing moisture buildup while preserving thermal insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining metal foil or metalized polymeric layers with hydrophilic gel capsules embedded in a polymeric matrix. This composite structure integrates the high thermal reflectivity of metal with the moisture vapor transmission capability of hydrophilic gel, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation and moisture management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If thick fabric layers or insulative foam are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but bulk and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidbulk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a thin metalized polymeric layer instead of thick fabric layers or foam. This thin film structure provides effective thermal insulation through radiation reflection while maintaining flexibility and minimizing bulk, allowing the insulation material to conform to garment contours without adding significant volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material structure combines the high thermal reflective properties of metal foil with the functional properties of hydrophilic gel capsules in a thin polymeric matrix, achieving superior thermal insulation in a thin, low-bulk configuration compared to traditional thick fabric or foam insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If metal foil insulation material is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but comfort is reduced due to moisture accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophilic gel capsules create a microporous structure within the metalized polymeric insulation material that selectively allows moisture vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water and maintaining thermal insulation. This porous structure prevents moisture accumulation against the skin, thereby improving wearer comfort without sacrificing thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrophilic gel capsules act as an intermediary substance within the insulation material that facilitates moisture vapor transmission from the wearer's skin through the metalized layer. This intermediary mechanism enables the insulation material to manage moisture effectively, preventing the discomfort associated with moisture buildup while preserving thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effective thermal insulation with reduced bulk, allowing moisture vapor to escape while maintaining warmth, thus enhancing comfort and performance in cold environments.

Implementation Method 1

reflective metal foil or metalized polymeric insulating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

one-way moisture transference apertures, allowing moisture vapor to escape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture vapor transmission: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS10112364B2Thermally insulated personal article and sleeping bag liners

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 BALCAN INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

An article having an inner article layer and an outer article layer to be worn by a mammal comprising a thermally insulating layer of a reflective metalized polymeric insulation material having moisture vapour transference properties adjacent to at least one of the inner and outer article layers. An apparatus and method for producing a reflective metalized polymeric thermally insulating assembly having moisture vapour transference properties suitable for use in the article is also provided. The insulation material provides enhanced thermal retention.