14 replies to this topic

[BlueFly17]

Now that the Davion Uniform is done, I'd like to tackle a cooling vest. Later, I plan on making at field uniform, and it'd be nice to have a vest to go with it. Here's my rough sketch of what I have planned out:



Like the Uniform, this is design subject to change based on a number of factors. I'd like to add external coolant line connectors and a control box that clips to your belt (or something along those lines).

[Stingray Productions]

Seeing this makes me what to build a simulator for MWO that includes mechanics to act like a motion simulator, shaking when getting hit, etc.......then I'd wear this suit, and everything would be complete!

[RotS Targe]

Now, to make it work
http://www.poyntsour...w/Cool_Vest.htm

[Arnold J Rimmer]

Stingray1234, on 04 October 2013 - 12:17 PM, said:

Seeing this makes me what to build a simulator for MWO that includes mechanics to act like a motion simulator, shaking when getting hit, etc...

How about the space heaters under the seat to simulate your heat gauge?

[Heffay]

True story: In the Navy they were testing out cooling vests for the engineers to wear in the engine rooms. The early versions were instrumented like crazy to measure how effective the cooling was. One of the instruments was installed... let's just say from a posterior attitude into a core position.

I appreciate the dedication people have to science. Or maybe it was just a little bit of extra cash. Either way, bravo!

[Stingray Productions]

Arnold J Rimmer, on 05 October 2013 - 10:15 AM, said:

How about the space heaters under the seat to simulate your heat gauge?

holy cow, then i'd DEFINITELY watch my heat more closely!

[Valcrow]

Vest with DHS. cool! Love the design too, It's got that nice balance of subtle awesomness, functional, and hightech.

[Nathan Foxbane]

You might want to increase the density of the coolant line pattern. That's pretty minimal coverage line pattern wise (the vest itself looks nice) as far as cooling goes. Maybe mesh on the inside as most other materials will act as an insulator against the cooling. The lines going over the mesh on the side is going to get caught on things, put it in something like a nylon sheath to protect them. Make it wide enough so that the lines can move laterally (just enclose the lines not stitch them in place) if you decide to put adjustment straps on the side so the lines do not kink or sheath flex in such a way as to be uncomfortable. The magnetic clasps are just for the flap, yes?... Or maybe I am just putting too much thought into this being functional instead of just looking functional. I do really like the tube you have set up to keep air bubbles out of the line, though if the systems work like I think they do, the coolant cycles through a reservoir at some point and bubbles get removed there. But it looks cool and that is what matters.

Stingray1234, on 05 October 2013 - 10:38 AM, said:

Arnold J Rimmer, on 05 October 2013 - 10:15 AM, said:

Stingray1234, on 04 October 2013 - 12:17 PM, said:

Seeing this makes me what to build a simulator for MWO that includes mechanics to act like a motion simulator, shaking when getting hit, etc.......then I'd wear this suit, and everything would be complete!

How about the space heaters under the seat to simulate your heat gauge?

holy cow, then i'd DEFINITELY watch my heat more closely!

Heating panels from an inferred sauna mounted the the walls and floor might be more comfortable... and less of a fire danger. Curse you technology! Stop making me over think these things!

Edited by Nathan Foxbane, 05 October 2013 - 02:15 PM.

[rolly]

Fantastic!

*Just please don't make one of those Clanner Mesh Leotards and then post the pictures! *

http://thumbs4.ebays...MfuN4wBe8kA.jpg

PS. Maybe it would help to install a cup holder on the vest? That way you can chill a beer with your vest?

Edited by rolly, 05 October 2013 - 03:06 PM.

[Grendel408]

Remember cooling vests also work as a ballistic vest to protect the pilot... it's gotta be a bulky so some more padding will be needed... with piping for coolant too! Love the idea... and your uniform is awesome too btw!

[Bishop Steiner]

Grendel408, on 07 October 2013 - 08:21 AM, said:

Remember cooling vests also work as a ballistic vest to protect the pilot... it's gotta be a bulky so some more padding will be needed... with piping for coolant too! Love the idea... and your uniform is awesome too btw!

Totally true.

I think BLueFly should look at some swat armor vests. But basically, mold some plastic "ballistic" plates into a few key areas, ala the "Batsuit", and I think it woul dbe a few steps beyond amazing. Also it's pretty easy to do. In the SCA we take pickle buckets, (cheap and easy to get) and cut templates, then use a hot air gun to make them pliable, mold, cool and done. I know Bluefly has the skills and then some to stitch them inside parts of the vest, and then it's done.

And then I will be jealous and want to order one from him with my Wrecking Crew crest on the back and pilot tags on the front. Though unless it's an actual working cooling vest I might not get to wear it much while playing here in Mexico.

[BlueFly17]

Finally got some time to work on the vest (I've been away for some work related training). First of all, thanks for all the great input. I tried to implement most of the suggestions, although I haven't yet found a way to attach a cup holder ;-)

So here is a redesign, showing most of them. I found a different material I liked a lot for the outer panels. It looks -okay- in the drawing, but looks really cool in person. I have not added the ballistic panels, but plan on it. I increased the amount/density of coolant lines(this is just a sketch though, the actual vest will most likely have a much higher density), added covers for the exterior coolant lines, added a mesh liner, added inside label, changed the side mesh color to black, increase the size and changed the shape of some of the leather bits, and added a brand logo to the front. And for clarification, the magnets will be for the flap only.





Here's the label


Here's the materials I'll be working with


The basic pattern so far

[RadioKies]

Oh look it's this thread again...
(meant in the most positive way)

I'm really looking forward to the result and the photo's taken during the making. The previous one was awesome.
Just don't use instagram next time when your friend poses

[Red Plague]

nice .. its a 2 in one .. keep you cool and your beer!

[WM Fochs]

This is what the US Army aircrews have been using in hot places. the Medevac crews (Crew Chief and Medic) cant use these much do to running in and out of the aircraft. These are well made but hard to get sometimes.http://defensetech.o...micro-climates/

Edited by Fochs, 16 October 2013 - 05:07 AM.