Abstract
This disclosure presents the GCI #2 Arachne Thermal Ecosystem, a passive, zero‑power thermal‑battery survival suit designed for extreme cold, submersion, and disaster environments. The system uses a Sodium Acetate Trihydrate (SAT) latent‑heat phase‑change medium, stabilized with Expanded Graphite (EG) and distributed through a platinum‑cured silicone micro‑capillary lattice. This architecture enables uniform, controlled heat delivery for 6–8 hours without electronics or external power.
The suit is fully rechargeable using only hot water or radiant heat sources above 60 °C, including campfires, stoves, vehicle exhaust, or boiling water. Integrated safety features include bimetallic overheat vents, hydrophobic ePTFE membranes, check‑valve zone isolation, and a thermal shield for safe recharge near open flame. The system provides +15.5 lbs of buoyancy, remains functional when wet or submerged, and is manufacturable using low‑cost, globally available materials.
Compared to existing heated garments, chemical warmers, and survival suits, the Arachne system offers superior reliability, reusability, safety, and cost‑efficiency. All designs are released under the CERN‑OHL‑P permissive open‑source license. The inventor does not seek patent protection and provides this disclosure solely to enable global humanitarian manufacturing, testing, and deployment.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Michael Victor Mr., "The Arachne Thermal Ecosystem: A Passive, Rechargeable Latent‑Heat Survival Suit for Humanitarian Deployment", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/9705