GB2393098A

GB2393098A - A g suit

Info

Publication number: GB2393098A
Application number: GB0220439A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hostettler Wain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-03
Filing date: 2002-09-03
Publication date: 2004-03-24
Also published as: GB0220439D0

Abstract

A g suit that has a liquid of similar density to blood which is constrained, that generates a pressure to the adjacent part of the body when the wearer goes under acceleration. The g suit applies the correct amount of pressure to each part of the wearer's body to compensate for the tendency of body fluids to drain into the lower part of the body when a person is accelerated without the need for external power. The liquid may be contained in bags or pads within clothing that is loose enough to be fitted and removed by the wearer but have buckles, straps or zips to allow the suit to be tightened against the body. The bags may be interconnected to each other and to a reservoir that pressurises the bags according to their height and compensate for any compression of the liquid and expansion of the wearer or the suit. The reservoir may be located at head height.

Description

- 1 LIQUID G COMPENSATION SYSTEM

This invention relates to a liquid G compensation system.

A conventional G compensation system comprises a G suit and a system for inflating it.

G suits are well known devices which apply a pressure to parts of a person's body. This is to prevent body fluids, mainly blood, from draining to one part of the body when under extreme acceleration.

Normal G suits comprise items of clothing which incorporate inflatable bags and use compressed gas to inflate them. This requires a compressed gas supply and pressure control system. Since they use gas, the pressure applied to each part of the suit is homogenous. According to the present invention, there is a G compensation system comprising a liquid of similar density to blood that is constrained to generate a pressure which is then transferred to various parts of the body. A simple system is one where inflatable bags are held adjacent to a person's body. These bags are filled with a suitable liquid and when inflated, these bags press against their restraints and the person's body. Thus the pressure of the liquid is transferred to the adjacent part of the body. The bags are interconnected such that the liquid may flow between them. They may also be connected via hoses to a reservoir containing the same liquid, usually close to the head.

The bags may be incorporated into a G suit in the normal way.

When the person undergoes acceleration, the liquid pressurises and inflates the bags.

Since this is similar to immersing various parts of the body in the liquid. It applies the correct amount of pressure to each part of the person's body to compensate for the tendency of body fluids to drain into the Lowest" part of the body. The pressure is differential according to how low" it is being applied.

The system uses the simple law: p = h. d. a where p is the pressure h is the height (in the direction of acceleration) d is the density of the fluid a is the acceleration The system needs no external power. It uses the fact that a liquid or similar density to blood will generate the same amount of pressure as in the body itself.

Design considerations are a compromise between ease of use and reducing the amount of liquid required. This means that, for example, in wearable version, the G suit must be loose enough for fitting and removal, yet capable of being tightened against the body such that the expansion of the inflatable clothing items transfers the requisite amount of pressure, differentially, to the wearer's body.

t - 2 A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a G compensation system comprising a reservoir connected via hoses to a G suit fitted to a person. The G suit incorporates bags held adjacent to those parts of the body to which the compensating pressure needs to be applied. The system is filled with a liquid of the required density (e.g. water).

Figure 2 shows a cross section of part of the G suit showing inflatable pads or bags incorporated into the clothing such that as they expand, pressure is transferred to the adjacent part of the body. The suit is tightened against the body using straps in order that the pressure transfers to the wearer.

Referring to the drawing, the G suit comprises various items of clothing, loose enough to be wearable, yet capable of being tightened against the body such that as the pads or bags containing liquid inflate, pressure is transferred to the adjacent part of the wearer's body. In this example, the feet, legs and lower abdomen are pressurized. It would be inadvisable to pressurise the lungs, as breathing would be difficult.

The compromise between the amount of fluid required and the design of the clothing depends on the materials and design.

Claims

- 3 CLAIMS

1. A liquid G compensation system comprising a liquid of similar density to blood which is constrained to generate a pressure that is transferred to those parts of the body to which compensating pressure is needed.

2. A liquid G compensation system as claimed in Claim 1 whereby the liquid may be

held in inflatable bags, constrained such that the pressure in the bags is transferred to the adjacent part of the body.

3. A liquid G compensation system as claimed in Claim 1 and 2, whereby each bag is interconnected such that the pressure applied to the body is the same as though parts of the body were immersed in the liquid.

4. A liquid G compensation system as claimed in Claims 1, 2 and 3, whereby extra liquid may be introduced via a reservoir to compensate for compression of the liquid and body, or expansion of the bags.

5. A liquid G compensation system as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, whereby the depth of immersion may be altered to achieve the desired pressurization.