Focused Microclimate Heating for Dexterity

In cold temperatures, fingers cool as the body diverts warm blood to the core resulting is significant degradation of hand functions including sensation, dexterity, and finger strength. Gloves or mittens have an immediate impact on sensation and dexterity from the material regardless of how thin and form fitting. To retain the warfighter’s availability and lethality, Cardinal develop a lightweight, low-profile, form-fitting forearm heater system. Improving efficiency of the work done by the US Army’s Military Operational Medicine Research Program is essential to make a viable product for DoD and the commercial market. This includes improving the efficiency of the heat transfer to the blood that will circulate to the hands to keep them warm. Far infrared (FIR) light tuned to 4-12 um penetrates deeper into the soft tissue and distributes the heat better than conventional heating elements. Cardinal will also incorporate advanced insulating materials and moisture management that reduce convective, conducted, radiated, and evaporative heat losses. The comfortable, form-fitting garment will slide under standard clothing and still have readily accessible, intuitive controls to enable the device when needed or replace the readily available batteries to extend the outdoor duration.