Von persönlicher Schutzbekleidung zum mobilen Schutzassistenzsystem

Miniaturized and embedded computers open new prospects for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE will recognize context and react on environmental hazards in an autonomous way in the future. Networked components may predict dangerous situations. These complex systems demand a new participatory design process because the new protective functions have to adjust between user and automated technique for practical use. This PhD thesis deals with the user-oriented development process for these new ambient assisted protection systems. A specific workflow follows the process-oriented and networked character of the new mobile protection system. In addition designated design attributes motivate the need of clothing related solutions

Possibilities and limits of virtual and augmented reality in the purchase decision process for clothing

This paper examines the influence of virtual and augmented reality on the purchasing decision-making process for clothing. The aim of the study is to gain well-founded insights into the possibilities and limitations of using virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) techniques in that process. It can be shown that VR and AR applications as interactive systems can offer valuable support in the purchasing decision-making process. New chances and possibilities arise for future shopping in virtual or augmented realities, in which customers are supported in their decision-making. So far, the simulation of visual properties, the limited range of offered pieces, the lack of customer acceptance as well as high barriers to entry and expensive hardware solutions have weakened the full exploitation of potential

Thermodynamic qualification of knitted spacer fabrics for use as insulation box insert in the context of refrigerated transport containers in the logistics sector

Temperature-sensitive products such as refrigerated and frozen goods pose particular challenges for logistics. Against the background of the mobility shift towards electric vehicles and the current challenges of temperature-stable transport in the field of pharmaceutical, esp. vaccine logistics in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, new, energy-efficient vehicle equipment is needed to maintain cold chains. Known refrigeration concepts are designed to cool the entire cargo hold. In addition, the goods cannot be removed from the vehicle while maintaining the cold chain. An insulating effect of containers is typically achieved by using foamed polystyrene (Styrofoam). On the one hand, these structures have a very good insulating effect, but on the other hand, they cannot be reduced in volume during recirculation and are problematic with regard to recycling. The aim of the research presented here is therefore to develop a knitted box that is designed as a volume-reducible, rigid but foldable box. This can be used as a supplement to existing transport container systems and therefore can be inserted in the transport container. The knitted box performs as insulation when the transported goods are actively cooled inside the box, which is more sustainable and flexible than recent insulation solutions. Knitted fabrics, especially spacer fabrics, have advantageous thermo-physical properties for this application due to their structural design. In the course of a research project, various spacer fabrics were tested for their thermo-physical suitability as insulation materials. It was found that knitted predetermined folding lines represent an insulation gap. Based on this, a new structure was developed which, due to its structural design, compensates for cold or thermal bridges at vertices and edges of the box. The results show that the knitted corrugated structure insulates better than the knitted spacer fabrics with predetermined folding lines. A thermal imaging camera was used to identify critical points for heat transfer

From personal protective clothing to ambient assisted protection systems

Miniaturized and embedded computers open new prospects for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE will recognize context and react on environmental hazards in an autonomous way in the future. Networked components may predict dangerous situations. These complex systems demand a new participatory design process because the new protective functions have to adjust between user and automated technique for practical use. This PhD thesis deals with the user-oriented development process for these new ambient assisted protection systems. A specific workflow follows the process-oriented and networked character of the new mobile protection system. In addition designated design attributes motivate the need of clothing related solutions