CORE TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM
20230218431 · 2023-07-13
Inventors
Cpc classification
F25B19/005
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
A41D13/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61F2007/0233
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61F7/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an apparel device, including an apparel body including an outer layer and an inner layer, and an interior configured to receive a body part of a user. Embodiments may also include a heat transfer panel disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. In some embodiments, the heat transfer panel includes a first side and a second side, the first side disposed adjacent the interior of the apparel body. Embodiments may also include a compressed fluid source in fluid communication with the second side of the heat transfer panel. In some embodiments, the compressed fluid source may be configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel. In some embodiments, the heat transfer panel may be configured to cool the interior of the apparel body upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel.
Claims
1. An apparel device, comprising: an apparel body including an outer layer and an inner layer, and an interior configured to receive a body part of a user; a heat transfer panel disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the heat transfer panel includes a first side and a second side, the first side disposed adjacent the interior of the apparel body; a compressed fluid source in fluid communication with the second side of the heat transfer panel, wherein the compressed fluid source is configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel, and wherein the heat transfer panel is configured to cool the interior of the apparel body upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel; and a vent disposed within the apparel body, wherein the vent is configured to expel the compressed fluid to an environment outside of the apparel body following the delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel.
2. The apparel device of claim 1, further comprising a valve in fluid communication with the compressed fluid source and the heat transfer panel, wherein the valve is configured to selectively deliver the compressed fluid from the compressed fluid source to the heat transfer panel.
3. The apparel device of claim 2, wherein the valve is a mechanical valve and is automatically opened when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the apparel body.
4. The apparel device of claim 2, wherein the valve is configured to be manually opened by the user.
5. The apparel device of claim 2, further comprising a controller, wherein the valve includes an electronic valve that is in electronic communication with the controller.
6. The apparel device of claim 5, further comprising a sensor in electronic communication with the controller.
7. The apparel device of claim 6, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, the temperature sensor configured to detect an internal temperature within an interior of the apparel body and transmit a signal representative of the internal temperature to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the electronic valve to deliver a flow of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel upon the internal temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature.
8. The apparel device of claim 7, wherein once the internal temperature no longer exceeds the predetermined temperature, the controller is configured to actuate the electronic valve to cease the flow of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel upon the internal temperature not exceeding the predetermined temperature.
9. The apparel device of claim 7, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to detect an amount of the compressed fluid within the compressed fluid source.
10. The apparel device of claim 1, wherein the compressed fluid source includes a compressed fluid cannister.
11. The apparel device of claim 10, wherein the compressed fluid cannister is disposed within a recess of the apparel body.
12. The apparel device of claim 10, wherein the compressed fluid is rechargeable based on a movement of the user while wearing the apparel device.
13. The apparel device of claim 10, wherein the compressed fluid cannister is removeable and replaceable when the compressed fluid of the compressed fluid cannister is fully discharged.
14. The apparel device of claim 1, wherein the apparel body is selected from a group consisting of footwear, handwear, headwear, upper body clothing, lower body clothing, and combinations thereof.
15. The apparel device of claim 1, wherein the compressed fluid is selected from a group consisting of liquified air, liquified carbon dioxide, a refrigerant, and combinations thereof.
16. An apparel system for cooling a body part of a user, comprising: an apparel device having an apparel body including an outer layer and an inner layer, and an interior configured to receive the body part of the user, a heat transfer panel disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the heat transfer panel includes a first side and a second side, the first side disposed adjacent the interior of the apparel body, a compressed fluid source in fluid communication with the second side of the heat transfer panel, wherein the compressed fluid source is configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel, and wherein the heat transfer panel is configured to cool the interior of the apparel body upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel, and a vent disposed within the apparel body, wherein the vent is configured to expel the compressed fluid to an environment outside of the apparel body following the delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel; and a regulator in electronic communication with the apparel device, wherein the regulator is configured to permit the user to operate the apparel device.
17. The apparel system of claim 16, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller includes a transceiver in electronic communication with the regulator.
18. The apparel system of claim 17, wherein the regulator includes a user interface configured to permit for at least one of a selective delivery and pre-programmed delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel.
19. A method of cooling a body part of a user, comprising steps of: providing an apparel device, the apparel device having an apparel body including an outer layer and an inner layer, and an interior configured to receive the body part of the user, a heat transfer panel disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the heat transfer panel includes a first side and a second side, the first side disposed adjacent the interior of the apparel body, a compressed fluid source in fluid communication with the second side of the heat transfer panel, wherein the compressed fluid source is configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel, and wherein the heat transfer panel is configured to cool the interior of the apparel body upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel, and a vent disposed within the apparel body, wherein the vent is configured to expel the compressed fluid to an environment outside of the apparel body following the delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel; donning, by the user, the apparel device; and delivering the compressed fluid from the compressed fluid source to the heat transfer panel, thereby controlling an internal temperature of the apparel device and cooling the body part of the user.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising a step of replacing the compressed fluid source upon the compressed fluid source being fully discharged.
Description
DRAWINGS
[0028] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.
[0041] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.
[0042] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.
[0043] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0044] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
[0045] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0046] Example embodiments of the present technology are provided with reference to the several figures enclosed herewith.
[0047]
[0048] The heat transfer panel 120 may include a first side 122 and a second side 124. The first side 122 may be disposed adjacent the interior 116 of the apparel body 110. The compressed fluid source 130 may be configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120. The heat transfer panel 120 may be configured to cool the interior 116 of the apparel body 110 upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120. The vent 140 may be configured to expel the compressed fluid to an environment outside of the apparel body 110 following the delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120.
[0049] In some embodiments, such as shown in
[0050] As further shown in
[0051] The apparel device 100 may further include a sensor 170 in electronic communication with the controller 150. The sensor 170 may include at least one of a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to detect an internal temperature within an interior of the apparel body 110 and transmit a signal representative of the internal temperature to the controller 150. The controller 150 may be configured to actuate the electronic valve 162 to deliver a flow of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120 upon the internal temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. If the internal temperature no longer exceeds the predetermined temperature, the controller 150 may be configured to actuate the electronic valve 162 to cease the flow of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor may be configured to detect an amount of the compressed fluid within the compressed fluid source 130.
[0052] As shown in
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[0054] The regulator 190 may be configured to permit the user to operate the apparel device 100. The heat transfer panel 120 may include a first side 122 and a second side 124. The first side 122 may be disposed adjacent the interior 116 of the apparel body 110. A compressed fluid source 130 may be in fluid communication with the second side 124 of the heat transfer panel 120. The compressed fluid 130 source may be configured to selectively deliver compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120. The heat transfer panel 120 may be configured to cool the interior 116 of the apparel body 110 upon delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120. A vent 140 may disposed within the apparel body 110. The vent 140 may be configured to expel the compressed fluid to an environment outside of the apparel body 110 following the delivery of the compressed fluid to the heat transfer panel 120.
[0055] In some embodiments, such as shown in
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[0057] As shown in
[0058] As shown in
[0059] Loop 1 may include a pump 350 with a heat exchanger 340 and a flow control mechanism 320 in contact with the body. The heat exchanger 340 may pull heat from the body as the glycol is delivered through the flow control mechanism 320 to the heat exchanger 340. In certain embodiments, the glycol may be circulated through loop 1 by the pump 350. The pump 350 may include a manually activated pump and an electronic pump. In certain embodiments, the pump 350 may be actuated as a user moves or otherwise places pressure against the pump 350. For example, the pump 350 may include a compression pump that circulates the glycol in loop 1.
[0060] Loop 2 in connection with loop 1, may include a compressor 360, a condenser 370, a thermal expansion valve 331 and a heat exchanger 340. In certain embodiments, loop 2 may generally describe a vapor-compression cycle, in which the refrigerant may undergo a phase change. A circulating refrigerant may enter the compressor 360 where it is compressed to a high pressure creating a higher temperature and a thermodynamic saturated vapor. The compressed refrigerant as a superheated vapor may pass through the condenser 370 where the refrigerant may be condensed to a liquid. In certain embodiments, rejected heat may be expelled. The condensed refrigerant may pass through the thermal expansion valve 331 where the refrigerant may undergo a reduction in pressure. The pressure reduction may lower the temperature of a liquid and vapor refrigerant mixture. The lower temperature refrigerant may contact the heat exchanger 340, where it may pull heat from the glycol of loop 1 to lower the temperature of the glycol so that the glycol may be delivered to those components in contact with the body of loop 1 to cool the body.
[0061] In a particular embodiment, as shown in
[0062] A heat transfer panel 120 may be disposed between an outer layer 112 and an inner layer 114 of the apparel body 110 (
[0063] A vent 140 may be disposed within the apparel body 110. As described above, an interior 116 of the apparel body may be configured to receive a body part, such as the foot of a user. As shown in
Examples
[0064] The twelve tables presented below include data from twelve separate tests. Each test was completed using a temperature plate with a heating source directed to a first side of a heating plate and using compressed carbon dioxide as a compressed liquid cooling source directed to a second side of the heating plate, where the second side of the heating plate is opposite the first side of the heating plate. A 50 lb compressed carbon dioxide tank with a needle valve, tubing, and nozzle were used to direct the compressed liquid cooling source to the second side of the heating plate.
[0065] A flow from the tube denotes shutting off a supply of the compressed carbon dioxide from the compressed liquid cooling source and only using the carbon dioxide within a coil of the tubing. A flow from the carbon dioxide tank denotes leaving the valve of the tank open and having a continuous delivery of carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide tank. The flow control settings ranged from 0-2, which involved rotating the needle valve a 1/10 rotation at the temperature plate. A length of the coil was 103.5 inches, an inner diameter of the coil was 0.28 inches, an inner area of the coil was 0.06158 square inches, and an inner volume of the tube coil was 6.373 inches cubed.
TABLE-US-00001 Test 1 Control Time Temp A Temp B 0 47 40 1 38 35 2 34 32 3 31 28 4 28 27 5 26 25 6 23 22 7 22 20 8 20 18 9 18 17 10 17 16 11 16 15 12 15 14 13 14 13 14 14 12 15 13 11 16 12 11 17 12 10 18 12 10 19 11 9 20 11 9
TABLE-US-00002 Test 2 Control Time Temp A Temp B 0 39 37 1 38 36 2 35 34 3 32 30 4 29 29 5 27 27 6 25 24 7 23 22 8 21 20 9 19 18 10 18 17 11 17 16 12 16 15 13 15 14 14 14 13 15 14 13 16 13 12 17 12 11 18 12 11 19 11 11 20 11 10
TABLE-US-00003 Test 3 Flow from Bottle Time Temp A Temp B 0 42 39 1 28 17 2 22 14 3 18 12 4 15 10 5 13 9 *Note: 42 SCFM
TABLE-US-00004 Test 4 Flow from loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 42 37 1 30 19 2 27 26 * Note: Flow Setting 2
TABLE-US-00005 Test 5 Flow from loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 35 33 1 28 28 2 26 27 * Note: Flow Setting 1
TABLE-US-00006 Test 6 Flow from Loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 44 37 1 30 19 2 27 20 3 25 21 4 23 21 * Note: Flow Setting 1
TABLE-US-00007 Test 7 Flow from Loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 41 38 1 35 26 2 30 22 3 27 20 4 26 18 * Note: Flow setting 1.25
TABLE-US-00008 Test 8 Flow from Loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 43 39 1 33 23 2 30 24 * Note: Flow setting 1.5
TABLE-US-00009 Test 9 Flow from Loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 43 39 1 33 24 2 30 23 * Note: Flow setting 1.5
TABLE-US-00010 Test 10 Flow from Loop Time Temp A Temp B 0 43 39 1 40 32 2 36 26 * Note: Short Bursts
TABLE-US-00011 Test 11 Flow from Tank Time Temp A Temp B 0 43 39 30 35 19 60 28 12 90 22 6 120 17 0 * Note: Flow setting 1
TABLE-US-00012 Test 12 Flow from Tank Time Temp A Temp B 0 45 39 30 29 9 60 17 −4 90 7 −13
[0066] When flowing from the carbon dioxide tank at 500 pounds per square inch (psi) and restricting the compressed fluid flow at the needle valve closest to the heating plate (setting 1), it took 60 seconds to cool a 2×3 inch metal plate heated to 105 degrees Celsius to a target temperature of 55 degrees Celsius. When flowing from the coil starting at 500 psi and restricting the compressed fluid flow at the need valve closest to the heating plate (setting 1) it took 60 seconds to cool a 2×3 inch metal plate heated to 105 degrees Celsius to a temperature of 66 degrees Celsius. The expansion cooling effect was seen more efficiently in the first minute of the compressed carbon dioxide flowing from the coil as the compressed carbon dioxide expanded from 500 psi to 250 psi. Cooling diminished after an initial expansion.
[0067] Advantageously, the control tests showed that at an ambient environmental temperature, the heating plate may be cooled at a rate of 2 degrees Celsius per minute. The tested cooling rate stayed consistent throughout tests 3-12. The testing has shown that where a compressed liquid cooling source is delivered to the heating plate, it is able to draw heat from the heating plate, such as to effectively cool the heating plate.
[0068] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.