Soldiers on the battlefield face a constant battle against dehydration, a condition that can significantly hinder their health and performance. But an invention from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) is poised to change the game.

In airsoft, we simulate conditions that soldiers find themselves in, especially in milsim, and that also means in environments that will make players watch their conditions in terms of hydration. This means that this device can also be of great use in airsoft.

The innovative personal flow meter is a godsend for troops, allowing them to precisely monitor their water intake and ensure they stay properly hydrated. Dehydration is a serious threat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both of which can be life-threatening.

Existing commercial flow meters fell short for military use. They often lacked the accuracy needed for soldiers and were cumbersome due to bulky designs and large batteries, impractical for soldiers on the move.

Recognizing this gap, a dedicated team at DEVCOM SC, led by Dr. Michael Wiederoder, Eric Brack, Matt Hurley, and Andrew Connors, set out to create a flow meter specifically designed for military needs. Their solution is a portable device that seamlessly integrates with the hydration systems soldiers already carry.

The secret lies within the flow meter itself. It utilizes a clever internal mechanism, resembling a miniature water wheel, which rotates as water passes through. This rotation is electronically monitored, providing soldiers with accurate measurements of their water consumption.

 Personal Flow Meter (U.S. Army Devcom) 

But the benefits go beyond simply tracking intake. Soldiers often rely on water from field sources that require filtration. The flow meter can also keep track of the amount of water processed, alerting soldiers when it's time to replace the filter, ensuring the water remains safe to drink.

The development of the flow meter was driven by DEVCOM SC's Bootstrap Initiative, a program that fosters innovation and empowers staff to address challenges faced by soldiers. The initiative encourages creative thinking and the development of practical solutions.

“The innovative efforts of our world-class scientists and engineers enable us to work to overcome the challenges facing warfighters — all while optimizing their performance and increasing their lethality. “The development of a personal flow meter to measure water consumption, made possible by our Bootstrap program, is just one example of ongoing efforts to accelerate the process of getting the latest and best technologies into the hands of our warfighters," explains Douglas Tamilio, director of DEVCOM SC. He emphasizes the program's crucial role in equipping soldiers with cutting-edge tools.

Dr. Wiederoder himself credits Bootstrap for making the flow meter a reality. The initiative provided vital funding for the design and testing phases, ultimately leading to the creation of a compact, precise, and self-contained device.

The success of the prototype led to a patent filing and subsequent grant in 2022. DEVCOM SC then partnered with HydroSmart, LLC, a company specializing in hydration monitoring. HydroSmart will license the patent and work collaboratively to adapt the technology for both commercial use in the sports and fitness market and to develop a military-specific version. This partnership aligns perfectly with HydroSmart's mission of providing advanced hydration monitoring systems for all, from military personnel to everyday athletes.

The new flow meter represents a significant breakthrough for soldiers, offering them a crucial tool to maintain optimal hydration levels and stay healthy and mission-ready in even the most demanding environments. The technology also holds promise for civilian applications, potentially benefiting athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Top photo:  National Hydration Day [By Staff Sgt. Leron Richards 335th Signal Command (Theater)]