TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Current sleeping bags carried by US servicemembers are too bulky and heavy for extended operations. Recent developments in materials for superior insulation at lighter weights and reduced loft have not made the transition to the commercial state of the market in end products (e.g. sleeping bags). The objective is to combine the advances in construction with the advances in chemistry and production of insulating materials to reduce the weight and stowed cubic size of the current sleeping bag system by a minimum of 30%. The product needs to provide a acceptable level of comfort, heat retention, and internal humidity to the user in an operating range of 80F to �40F with a minimal amount of re-configuration or user adjustment. Must not require an internal or external power supply or rely on chemical reactions that must be replaced or reset prior the next sleep cycle. The sleeping bag must be water resistant and be suitable for use on moist ground or shallow (up to � in.) standing water. Must be capable of being cleaned by standard laundry methods fifty times over its life.

DESCRIPTION: The need exists to reduce the weight and volume of equipment carried by a serviceman. Phase I is the evaluation of the current and emerging materials as well as evaluating design configuration to produce a sleeping bag that when stored is less than 104 cubic inches in size and weighs less than 7.22 Lbs. Phase II is the modeling and construction of conceptual and ergonomic test bags for evaluation and feedback. This culminates with testing, verification, and corrections to the design. Phase III is the transfer of design information to and new materials to commercial manufacturers for production of prototypes for further testing, or full rate production.

PHASE I: Evaluation of current and emerging insulation materials,fabrics and concepts to determine to optimal combination for this application. This is followed by the evaluation of possible configurations,designs and construction strategies using the information developed during the evaluation of materials to support this application.

PHASE II: Modeling of heat retention and humidity flow by computer simulation, ergonomic and operator acceptance evaluation of design features by using mockup bags followed by copper mannequin testing to validate insulation and stability for use throughout the entire temperature range. During this phase, we anticpate initial production of prototype bags. Limited user evaluation in test chambers for comfort throughout temperature range, and iterative feedback incorporated in design until requirement parameters are met.

PHASE III: Provide technical expertise and aid in the transfer of design and materials evaluation to a commercial producer for limited production supporting a field user evaluation for the military.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Technology and designs would have direct crossover to the commercial camping equipment sector and the winter clothing market. Current state of the market does not support this requirement.

REFERENCES:
1. Current Sleeping Bag Specifications (MARCORSYSCOM-CID-93-A-A50603)

2. Standard Test Method for Measuring Thermal Insulation of Sleeping Bags Using a Heated Manikin (F1720-96(2004))

3. Standard Test Method for Measuring Sleeping Bag Packing Volume (F1853-03)

4. Standard Test Method for Flammability of Sleeping Bags F1955-99(2005)

5. Standard Test Method for Dimensional Changes in Commercial Laundering of Woven
and Knitted Fabrics Except Wool AATCC Test Method (96-2004)

6. Anthropometry of US Military Personnel (DOD-HDBK-743A)

7. Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests (Mil-Std-810f)

KEYWORDS: Sleeping bag; Insulation; Fabrics; Cold; Modeling; Simulation

TPOC: James Jackson
Phone: (703)432-3338
Fax:
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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