Tubular convective device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional convective devices for warming or cooling lack effective distribution of heated air, leading to uneven heat transfer and pressure drop issues when bent, particularly in tubular structures with sealed pneumatic systems.

Innovation Solution

A tubular convective system featuring a blown film structure with longitudinally separated portions and a plurality of apertures, along with an air-guide device and fixation elements, to facilitate uniform air distribution and prevent pressure drop when bent, using a hose manifold and hose clamp for secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tubular convective device is bent, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but pressure drop increases and air distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to body contoursVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular structure is divided into multiple longitudinal segments separated by breathable seams. These seams allow the tube to expand and conform to body contours while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation enables the device to adapt to curved surfaces without creating excessive pressure drop, as each segment can independently adjust to the underlying geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Apertures are distributed non-uniformly along the tubular structure, with higher density in regions requiring greater heat transfer and lower density where flexibility and contour adaptation are prioritized. This local variation in aperture distribution optimizes heat transfer efficiency while maintaining adaptability to body shapes without excessive pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If apertures are distributed uniformly, then heat transfer uniformity is improved, but pressure drop increases when bent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer uniformityVSAvoidpressure drop when bent

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture distribution varies locally along the tubular structure based on functional requirements. Regions with higher heat transfer demands have denser aperture distributions, while regions requiring flexibility and contour adaptation have sparser distributions. This non-uniform distribution maintains overall heat transfer uniformity while reducing pressure drop in bent configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The breathable seams allow the tubular structure to dynamically adjust its shape and cross-sectional area in response to body contours. This dynamic adaptation enables the device to maintain effective air distribution and heat transfer uniformity across different body geometries without experiencing excessive pressure drop, as the structure can expand or contract locally to optimize airflow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If fixation elements are added, then secure connection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation elements are integrated directly into the tubular structure rather than being separate components. The breathable seams and aperture distribution patterns are designed to work in conjunction with simple fixation mechanisms, combining multiple functions into a unified structure. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining secure connection to the body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular structure utilizes flexible breathable seams that can adapt to body contours without requiring rigid fixation mechanisms. The flexibility of the thin film structure allows it to conform and stay in place through elastic recovery and friction, reducing the need for complex mechanical fasteners or attachment systems while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system ensures efficient and uniform heat transfer with minimized pressure drop, maintaining effective air distribution and secure connections, enhancing comfort and thermal management.

Implementation Method 1

tubular convective device... efficient and uniform heat transfer with minimized pressure drop, maintaining effective air distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

fixation element configured to secure a first part of the tubular convective device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10401098B2Tubular convective device

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a tubular convective device, comprising: a blown film forming a tube when inflated, the blown film having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated longitudinally, and a plurality of apertures disposed on the first portion of the blown film. At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a tubular convective system including a plurality of tubular convective devices, where adjacent tubular convective devices are connected.