Thermal Garment Quick-Disconnect Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper body garments with heat transfer mechanisms are hindered by external loads, such as backpacks or harnesses, which restrict the flow of temperature-controlled fluid due to the positioning of heat transfer tubing over load-bearing areas, compromising temperature control and mobility.
Innovation Solution
The design of an upper body garment with mutually exclusive heat transfer and load-bearing areas, where heat transfer tubing is routed away from load-bearing zones, and utilizes quick-disconnect connector assemblies to ensure secure, leak-proof connections while allowing separation under specified tension, preventing fluid flow restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer tubing is routed over the shoulders of the garment, then heat transfer coverage is improved, but fluid flow is restricted when external loads are carried
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct heat transfer areas and load bearing areas. The heat transfer tubing is confined to specific zones that exclude shoulder regions, creating segmented functional areas that prevent interference between cooling functions and load-bearing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the garment are assigned different functional qualities: heat transfer zones contain tubing for thermal regulation, while load bearing zones (shoulders) are kept free of tubing to maintain structural integrity and fluid flow when external loads are carried.
2Area of stationary object
If heat transfer tubing is positioned over load-bearing areas, then garment coverage is improved, but mobility and temperature control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The garment functionality is segmented into heat transfer areas and load bearing areas that are mutually exclusive. This segmentation allows the garment to provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining mobility by preventing tubing from interfering with load-bearing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific local regions (shoulders and load-bearing zones) are designated as tubing-free areas to preserve mobility and flexibility, while other regions receive full heat transfer coverage. This localized differentiation resolves the conflict between coverage and mobility.
3Reliability
If connectors are designed to be secure and leak-proof, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through the latch mechanism. The connector maintains secure engagement during normal use but can be easily disconnected when the release button is actuated, providing adaptive connection behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes an integrated release mechanism that allows user-initiated disconnection without requiring tools or complex procedures. The release button provides self-service functionality for easy disconnection while maintaining secure connection during operation.
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 maintains effective temperature control and mobility by isolating heat transfer tubing from load-bearing areas, ensuring uninterrupted fluid flow even when carrying external loads, and provides a secure, easy-release connection system for safety.
Implementation Method 1
The garment has a heat transfer area and a load bearing area, and the heat transfer capabilities of the garment are not affected by the person carrying a load on a portion of the person's body. The tubing carries a temperature controlled fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of making an upper body heating and cooling garment including heat transfer tubing and quick-release connectors. Operation of the garment is unaffected by the wearer carrying a load on a portion of the wearer's body. The garment includes a heat transfer area and a load bearing area. The heat transfer area includes heat transfer tubing positioned on the surface of the garment. In one embodiment, the tubing is sewn onto the fabric of the garment. The tubing is attached to a thermal unit by connector assemblies that firmly lock together and release upon application of a specified axial tension force. Each connector assembly includes a male and female adapters. The female adapter includes a latching member with an opening that has a bottom. The bottom is configured to allow for easily inserting, retaining, and releasing the male adapter.