Temperature Regulating Garment With Insulated Pockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical personnel in operating rooms face discomfort due to temperature fluctuations, with existing garments either being insufficiently warm or restrictive, and hormonal changes or patient requirements necessitating alternative temperature management solutions.

Innovation Solution

A specially designed garment with thermally insulating material and adjustable pockets for temperature-regulating elements like heat or cooling packs, allowing for uniform temperature distribution and customizable comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If medical personnel wear multiple layers of garments to stay warm, then their body temperature is maintained, but their mobility and dexterity are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperatureVSAvoidmobility and dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The garment is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner thermally insulating layer made of surgical fabric, an intermediate layer with temperature-regulating pockets, and an outer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall flexibility and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature-regulating elements (heating or cooling packs) are introduced as intermediary components between the wearer's body and the external environment. These elements are placed in pockets positioned at key body regions (lumbar, abdominal, thigh areas) to provide localized thermal regulation without requiring multiple bulky garment layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If standard warm up jackets are worn over scrubs, then personnel are protected from cold, but the garments do not maintain comfortable temperature and may cause overheating for some individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold exposureVSAvoidtemperature adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The garment incorporates adjustable and removable temperature-regulating elements that can be added or removed based on individual needs and environmental conditions. The pockets are designed to accommodate variable temperature elements, allowing the garment to adapt dynamically to changing thermal requirements throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the garment provide different thermal characteristics through strategically placed pockets at the lumbar, abdominal, and thigh areas. This allows localized temperature regulation in specific body regions rather than uniform insulation, accommodating individual variations in temperature perception and metabolic needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If cooling elements are used to regulate temperature, then overheating is prevented, but localized cold discomfort occurs on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperature regulationVSAvoidlocalized cold discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally insulating surgical fabric layer serves as an intermediary between the cooling elements and the wearer's skin. This intermediate layer moderates the thermal transfer, preventing direct contact with extreme cold while still allowing the cooling element to effectively regulate body temperature by removing excess heat.

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 garment effectively maintains a comfortable temperature for medical personnel, enhancing their ability to perform tasks while preventing mobility restrictions and skin discomfort, accommodating individual needs and varying room conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a body having a back panel and at least one front panel made of a temperature insulating textile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one pocket is configured for accommodating a temperature regulating element... each temperature regulating element being configured for maintaining a desired temperature within the inside chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8671464B2Temperature regulating garment

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 SILVERBERG MARK

AI summary

A garment for regulating temperature includes a body having a back panel and at least one front panel made of a temperature insulating textile and partially joined along at least one common edge, the joined panels defining an inside chamber. At least one pocket is fastened to an inside surface of at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The at least one pocket is configured for accommodating a temperature regulating element.