One Clothing for Different Temperatures
Article: Read the text below. (5 minutes)
Indian engineer Kranthis Kiran Vistakula developed a unique jacket which is flexible to both hot and cold weather.
Vistakula, who was then a student in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, came up with this idea because he wanted to have a kind of clothing that can keep him warm during winter and keep him cool when the heaters were on in the school rooms.
Vistakula applied the principle of Peltier effect which is used in cooling electronic gadgets like laptops. According to this principle, when electricity passes through the meeting point of two different metals, a difference in temperature occurs. As a result, one side ‘heats up’ while another side ‘cools down’. In electronic devices, built-in fans are needed to blow off heat to prevent overheating.
Vistakula was able to eliminate the need of fans by using special materials to create tiny, light, and immovable parts suitable to the clothing. He also attached rechargeable batteries which would produce the electricity needed in the clothing. The jacket can produce a temperature from zero to 100 degree Celsius.
Aside from jackets, Vistakula’s company, Dhamma Innovations, also manufactures mufflers, shoes, helmets, and knee and elbow pads which can be used to soothe joint pains.
Vistakula’s team targets to scale up production and to make their products more affordable for consumers. They are also hoping to become a hundred-million company in 3 to 4 years.
Words Difficult to Pronounce
flexible [flek-suh-buh l]
Massachusetts [mas-uh-choo-sits]
eliminate [ih-lim-uh-neyt]
temperature [tem-per-uh-cher, -choo r, -pruh-, -per-cher, -choo r]
Vocabulary Review: Read the following words/expressions used in the article and make sample sentences using them. (5 minutes)
1. flexible (adj.) – capable to adjust to a particular situation or use
Example: She can easily meet friends because of her flexible personality.
2. built-in (adj.) – made a part of something (usually not detachable)
Example: We plan to put built-in cabinets in the kitchen.
3. eliminate (v.) – to remove something (or someone)
Example: She was eliminated from the competition because she was over qualified.
4. suitable (adj.) – appropriate for some purpose or use
Example: The use of air conditioning is suitable in warm places.
5. joint (n.) – (in anatomy) it refers to the point of connections of bones
Example: People suffering from arthritis experience joint pains.
Comprehension Questions: Basing it from the article, answer the following questions. Answer using your own words. (5 minutes)
1. How did Vistakula come up with his invention?
2. How did he get rid of the fans needed for heating?
3. Why does Vistakula’s company target to scale up their production?
Viewpoint Discussion: Read the following statements and determine whether you AGREE or DISAGREE. Discuss the reasons with your tutor. (5 minutes)
1. People should have different clothing for different weather.
2. People should always consider comfort over cost when buying.
