Intelligent clothing heat exchange system and method based on micro-channel

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent clothing, in particular to an intelligent clothing heat exchange system and method based on a micro-channel, and the system comprises a flexible sensor layer, a micro-channel layer, a TEC module layer and a soaking layer which are sequentially arranged from inside to outside. The flexible sensor layer is provided with a sensor for sensing temperature and humidity, the micro-channel layer is provided with a closed micro gas circulation channel and an open drainage channel, the closed micro gas circulation channel is of a double-helix stranded structure, and gas circulation is driven by a micro gas pump; the open drainage channel comprises a capillary groove formed outside the closed micro gas circulation channel, a water collection cavity connected to the tail end of the closed micro gas circulation channel and a piezoelectric micropump. The comfortable microclimate environment between the human body and the garment is maintained, more comfortable and intelligent wearing experience is brought to a user, and the requirements in different scenes are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of smart clothing, and in particular to a microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system and method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of technology, the field of smart clothing has made significant progress, but many shortcomings still exist in terms of heat exchange and constant temperature functions, making effective control difficult. Currently, the heat exchange systems of smart clothing often cannot accurately adapt to fluctuating ambient temperatures. When the external temperature changes rapidly, the heat transfer mechanism within the clothing is sluggish, unable to promptly and effectively dissipate excess heat or prevent heat loss, causing the wearer to feel uncomfortable for a short period of time. As for constant temperature functions, most existing smart clothing can only maintain a stable temperature within a relatively limited range. On the one hand, the temperature control accuracy is insufficient, and there is often a deviation between the set temperature and the actual body temperature. On the other hand, with long-term wear, due to fluctuations in energy supply and equipment wear, the constant temperature effect gradually weakens, making it difficult to continuously and stably provide the wearer with a suitable temperature. Therefore, new improvements and designs are needed to the existing smart clothing structure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above problems, the present invention maintains a comfortable microclimate environment between the human body and clothing, bringing users a more comfortable and intelligent wearing experience, and provides a microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system and method that meets the needs of different scenarios.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system, comprising a flexible sensor layer, a microchannel layer, a TEC module layer and a heat soaking layer arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; the flexible sensor layer is provided with sensors for sensing temperature and humidity, the microchannel layer is provided with a closed micro gas circulation channel and an open drainage channel, the closed micro gas circulation channel is a double-helix twisted structure, and the gas circulation is driven by a micro air pump; the open drainage channel includes a capillary groove arranged outside the closed micro gas circulation channel, a water collection cavity connected to the end of the closed micro gas circulation channel, and a piezoelectric micropump; the TEC module layer is a flexible thermoelectric cooler and is connected to the closed micro gas circulation channel for bidirectional temperature control and connection to the heat soaking layer; in cooling mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler cools, cools the closed micro gas circulation channel, and absorbs human body heat through the closed micro gas circulation channel and returns it to the flexible thermoelectric cooler; in heating mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs heat, and the heat diffuses to the fabric surface through the closed micro gas circulation channel, and the heat soaking layer is used to dissipate excess heat.

[0005] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the closed micro gas circulation channel adopts a double-helix twisted structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane material, and the gas circulation is driven by a micro air pump. A hydrophobic coating is provided in the closed micro gas circulation channel to separate the open drainage channel.

[0006] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the capillary groove is a V-shaped capillary groove, the water collecting chamber is a conical water collecting chamber, the end of the closed micro gas circulation channel is connected to the water collecting chamber, and the water collecting chamber is used to collect condensed water condensed by the V-shaped capillary groove.

[0007] A further improvement to the above solution is that the width of the V-shaped capillary groove is 0.4 mm, the depth is 0.6 mm, and the volume of the tapered water collection chamber is 0.2 mL.

[0008] A further improvement to the above solution is that the V-shaped capillary groove extends along the airflow direction, and guides the condensed water into the conical water collection chamber through capillary action.

[0009] A further improvement to the above solution is that the closed micro gas circulation channel is a channel structure with a flat rectangular cross-section, a width of 2 mm and a height of 1 mm, and the micro air pump has a working flow range of 0.5-1 L / min.

[0010] A further improvement to the above solution is that the flexible sensor layer is attached to the closed micro gas circulation channel via thermally conductive silicone.

[0011] A further improvement to the above solution is that the closed micro gas circulation channel adopts a tree-like structure to cover the plane.

[0012] A further improvement to the above solution is that the heat spreading layer includes a graphene heat spreading sheet and aluminum fins, which are used to radiate and dissipate the waste heat at the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler.

[0013] A microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange method includes the microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system, and the method includes the following steps:

[0014] The micro air pump is driven to circulate the gas in the closed micro gas circulation channel, and the closed micro gas circulation channel is subjected to bidirectional temperature control through the flexible thermoelectric cooler: during cooling, the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs the heat of the gas, and during heating, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler releases heat to the gas; the graphene heat spreader and aluminum fins are used to radiate and dissipate the waste heat at the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] Compared to existing clothing, the present invention is used for intelligent heat exchange in clothing. In terms of environmental perception, the sensors provided in the flexible sensor layer can accurately sense temperature and humidity, providing real-time and accurate data support for system adjustment, ensuring that the system responds appropriately according to the actual environment and human body conditions. The unique microchannel layer design increases the gas circulation path and contact area through a closed micro gas circulation channel with a double-helix twisted structure. In conjunction with the micro air pump drive, it can efficiently achieve heat transfer. The open drainage channel can promptly discharge sweat produced by the human body, keeping the inside of the clothing dry and comfortable, and avoiding discomfort and possible health problems caused by sweat accumulation. The flexible thermoelectric cooler in the TEC module layer realizes a two-way temperature control function. In cooling mode, its cold end cools, which can quickly reduce the temperature of the closed micro gas circulation channel, efficiently absorb the heat emitted by the human body, and effectively relieve the feeling of dryness in hot environments; in heating mode, the cold end absorbs heat and diffuses the heat to the surface of the fabric, providing warmth for the human body in cold environments. The heat-equalizing layer can dissipate excess heat in time to prevent local heat accumulation, ensure the stable operation of the entire clothing heat exchange system, maintain a comfortable microclimate environment between the human body and clothing, bring users a more comfortable and intelligent wearing experience, and meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0017] A heat exchange method for smart clothing based on microchannels. In terms of temperature control, a micro air pump is driven to circulate gas in a closed micro gas circulation channel. Combined with the two-way temperature control function of the flexible thermoelectric cooler, it can accurately and efficiently adjust the temperature inside the clothing. Whether cooling by absorbing gas heat in a hot environment or releasing heat from the cold end to the gas for heating in cold conditions, it can quickly respond to human needs and create a comfortable microclimate for the wearer. In the heat dissipation link, graphene heat spreaders and aluminum fins are used to radiate the waste heat from the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler, greatly improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the system. The excellent thermal conductivity of the graphene heat spreader can quickly transfer heat to the aluminum fins, which are then efficiently radiated to the surrounding environment, effectively avoiding heat accumulation in the system, ensuring that the flexible thermoelectric cooler is always in good working condition, and improving the stability and reliability of the entire heat exchange system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the closed micro gas circulation channel of the microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microchannel layer of the microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the closed micro gas circulation channel of the microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of the reference numerals: flexible sensor layer 1, microchannel layer 2, closed micro gas circulation channel 21, micro air pump 211, open drainage channel 22, capillary groove 221, water collection chamber 222, piezoelectric micropump 223, TEC module layer 3, heat spreader layer 4, graphene heat spreader 41, aluminum fin 42. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure.

[0024] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed to” another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in this specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system is involved, comprising a flexible sensor layer 1, a microchannel layer 2, a TEC module layer 3, and a heat-diffusion layer 4 arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; the flexible sensor layer 1 is provided with a sensor for sensing temperature and humidity, the microchannel layer 2 is provided with a closed micro gas circulation channel 21 and an open drainage channel 22, the closed micro gas circulation channel 21 is a double-helical twisted structure, and the gas circulation is driven by a micro air pump 211; the open drainage channel 22 includes a capillary groove 221 arranged outside the closed micro gas circulation channel 21. , a water collection chamber 222 and a piezoelectric micropump 223 connected to the end of the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21. The TEC module layer 3 is a flexible thermoelectric cooler and is connected to the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21 for bidirectional temperature control and connection to the heat-scaling layer 4. In cooling mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler cools, cooling the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21. The closed micro-gas circulation channel 21 absorbs human body heat and returns it to the flexible thermoelectric cooler. In heating mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs heat, which is diffused to the fabric surface through the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21. The heat-scaling layer 4 is used to dissipate excess heat. This invention is used for intelligent heat exchange in clothing. In terms of environmental perception, the sensors provided in the flexible sensor layer 1 can accurately sense temperature and humidity, providing real-time and accurate data support for system adjustment, ensuring that the system responds appropriately to the actual environment and human condition. The unique design of the microchannel layer 2 increases the gas circulation path and contact area through the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21 with a double-helical twisted structure. Combined with the micro-air pump 211 drive, it can achieve efficient heat transfer. The open drainage channel 22 can promptly discharge the sweat produced by the human body, keeping the inside of the garment dry and comfortable, and avoiding discomfort and possible health problems caused by sweat accumulation. The flexible thermoelectric cooler of the TEC module layer 3 realizes a two-way temperature control function. In cooling mode, its cold end cools, which can quickly reduce the temperature of the closed micro gas circulation channel 21, efficiently absorb the heat emitted by the human body, and effectively relieve the feeling of dryness in a hot environment; in heating mode, the cold end absorbs heat and diffuses the heat to the surface of the fabric, providing warmth for the human body in a cold environment. The heat-dissipating layer 4 can promptly dissipate excess heat to prevent heat accumulation in local areas, ensure the stable operation of the entire clothing heat exchange system, maintain a comfortable microclimate environment between the human body and the clothing, and bring users a more comfortable and intelligent wearing experience to meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0027] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the flexible thermoelectric cooler is a novel refrigeration device based on the thermoelectric effect. It utilizes the thermoelectric properties of semiconductor materials to transfer heat through the action of direct current, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling. In terms of its operating principle, when current passes through the thermoelectric cooler, a temperature difference is generated between its two ends, with the hot end dissipating heat and the cold end cooling. This cooling method does not require refrigerants, is environmentally friendly, and has no moving mechanical parts during operation, resulting in low noise and high reliability.

[0028] The closed micro-gas circulation channel 21 utilizes a double-helical twisted structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The micro-air pump 211 drives the gas circulation. A hydrophobic coating is provided within the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21 to separate it from the open drainage channel 22. In this embodiment, the double-helical twisted structure of TPU imparts excellent flexibility and durability to the closed micro-gas circulation channel 21, ensuring that it can withstand a certain degree of stretching and twisting during daily wear and activity, thus ensuring stable gas circulation. The micro-air pump 211 drives the gas circulation, precisely controlling the gas flow rate and velocity, achieving efficient heat transfer and rapidly regulating the temperature inside the garment, creating a comfortable thermal environment for the wearer. Furthermore, the hydrophobic coating within the channel effectively separates the open drainage channel 22, preventing moisture from intruding into the gas circulation channel and affecting its normal operation, thus avoiding damage or performance degradation caused by condensation. Furthermore, it ensures that moisture, such as sweat, can be drained smoothly through the drainage channel, maintaining a dry and comfortable interior.

[0029] The capillary groove 221 is a V-shaped capillary groove 221, and the water collection chamber 222 is a conical water collection chamber 222. The end of the closed micro gas circulation channel 21 is connected to the water collection chamber 222, and the water collection chamber 222 is used to collect the condensed water condensed by the V-shaped capillary groove 221. In this embodiment, the V-shaped capillary groove 221 increases the contact area with water vapor due to its unique shape, can efficiently condense water vapor into liquid water, improve condensation efficiency, and ensure that water vapor can be quickly converted into an easy-to-handle liquid form during the heat exchange process. The conical water collection chamber 222, by virtue of its special structure, effectively collects and converges the condensed water condensed in the V-shaped capillary groove 221, which helps prevent the condensed water from flowing disorderly inside the clothing, avoiding wetting the clothes or affecting the normal operation of other components of the heat exchange system. The closed micro gas circulation channel 21 guides the gas after heat exchange to the water collecting chamber 222, which not only ensures the stability and efficiency of the gas circulation in the system, but also makes the entire heat exchange system more compact and reasonable, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the smart clothing heat exchange system.

[0030] The width of the V-shaped capillary groove 221 is 0.4mm, the depth is 0.6mm, and the volume of the conical water collection chamber 222 is 0.2mL. Specifically, the V-shaped capillary groove 221 extends along the direction of airflow, and guides the condensed water to the conical water collection chamber 222 through capillary action. In this embodiment, the specific 0.4mm width and 0.6mm depth design of the V-shaped capillary groove 221 can maximize the efficiency of the capillary action. The layout extending along the direction of airflow can make full use of the airflow assistance to accurately and efficiently guide the condensed water to the conical water collection chamber 222 through capillary action. The conical water collection chamber 222 with a volume of 0.2mL provides a reasonable storage space for collecting condensed water, effectively avoiding the accumulation of condensed water in the smart clothing heat exchange system, and preventing system failures caused by water accumulation or damage to other functional modules of the clothing. At the same time, this design ensures the continuity and stability of the heat exchange process and optimizes the water vapor management of the entire system.

[0031] The closed micro gas circulation channel 21 is a channel structure with a flat rectangular cross-section, a width of 2mm and a height of 1mm, and the working flow range of the micro air pump 211 is 0.5-1L / min. In this embodiment, the channel structure with a flat rectangular cross-section, a width of 2mm and a height of 1mm, realizes an efficient gas circulation layout in a limited space. Precise size specifications help to optimize the gas circulation path, reduce flow resistance, and improve heat exchange efficiency. The working flow range of the micro air pump 2110.5-1L / min can accurately adjust the gas circulation speed according to the different working scenarios and human needs of the smart clothing heat exchange system. At lower flow rates, it can meet the basic heat exchange needs in a relatively static environment and achieve a balance between energy saving and comfort; at higher flow rates, it can quickly respond to the large amount of heat generated by human movement, take away the heat in time, and ensure that the human body is always in a suitable thermal environment.

[0032] The flexible sensor layer 1 is attached to the closed micro gas circulation channel 21 through thermally conductive silicone. Specifically, the closed micro gas circulation channel 21 adopts a tree-like structure to cover the plane. In this embodiment, the flexible sensor layer 1 can accurately sense the temperature, humidity and other environmental parameters around the human body, and rely on the good thermal conductivity of thermally conductive silicone to quickly transmit the collected information to the closed micro gas circulation channel 21. The tree-like structure of the gas circulation channel greatly improves the efficiency of gas circulation, and can quickly adjust the flow direction and speed of the gas in the channel based on the information fed back by the sensor. This enables the smart clothing heat exchange system to perform heat exchange in real time and efficiently according to the actual environment and human needs, effectively maintaining the thermal balance of the human body. The tree-like structure covering the plane increases the area of gas circulation, making the heat exchange more uniform.

[0033] The heat-dissipating layer 4 includes a graphene heat-dissipating sheet 41 and aluminum fins 42, which are used to radiate heat from the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler. In this embodiment, the graphene heat-dissipating sheet 41 has high thermal conductivity and can quickly and efficiently transfer the waste heat generated by the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler to the aluminum fins 42, greatly improving the heat transfer efficiency, ensuring that the heat is dispersed in time, and avoiding the impact of local overheating on the performance and life of the cooler. The unique structural design of the aluminum fins 42 increases the heat dissipation area and uses the principles of natural convection and radiation to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect. In the smart clothing heat exchange system, this efficient heat dissipation method helps to maintain a stable operating temperature of the flexible thermoelectric cooler.

[0034] A microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange method includes the aforementioned microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system. The method comprises the following steps: driving a micro air pump 211 to circulate gas in a closed micro gas circulation channel 21; performing bidirectional temperature control on the closed micro gas circulation channel 21 via a flexible thermoelectric cooler: the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs heat from the gas during cooling and releases heat to the gas at its cold end during heating; and radiating excess heat from the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler using a graphene heat spreader 41 and aluminum fins 42. Regarding temperature control, this embodiment drives the micro air pump 211 to circulate gas in the closed micro gas circulation channel 21. Combined with the bidirectional temperature control function of the flexible thermoelectric cooler, this method can accurately and efficiently regulate the temperature inside the clothing. Whether cooling by absorbing heat from the gas in hot environments or heating by releasing heat from the cold end to the gas in cold conditions, it can quickly respond to human needs and create a comfortable microclimate for the wearer. In the heat dissipation process, the graphene heat spreader 41 and aluminum fins 42 are used to radiate the excess heat from the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler, greatly improving the system's heat dissipation efficiency. The excellent thermal conductivity of the graphene heat spreader 41 can quickly transfer heat to the aluminum fins 42, which then efficiently radiate it to the surrounding environment. This effectively prevents heat accumulation within the system, ensures that the flexible thermoelectric cooler is always in good working condition, and enhances the stability and reliability of the entire heat exchange system.

[0035] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system, characterized by: The invention comprises a flexible sensor layer, a microchannel layer, a TEC module layer and a heat-diffusion layer, which are arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; the flexible sensor layer is provided with sensors for sensing temperature and humidity, the microchannel layer is provided with a closed micro gas circulation channel and an open drainage channel, the closed micro gas circulation channel is a double-helix twisted structure, and the gas circulation is driven by a micro air pump; the open drainage channel includes a capillary groove arranged outside the closed micro gas circulation channel, a water collection cavity connected to the end of the closed micro gas circulation channel and a piezoelectric micro pump; the TEC module layer is a flexible thermoelectric cooler and is connected to the closed micro gas circulation channel for bidirectional temperature control and connection to the heat-diffusion layer; in the cooling mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler cools, cools the closed micro gas circulation channel, and absorbs human body heat through the closed micro gas circulation channel and reflows it to the flexible thermoelectric cooler; in the heating mode, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs heat, and the heat diffuses to the surface of the fabric through the closed micro gas circulation channel, and the heat-diffusion layer is used to dissipate excess heat.

2. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed micro gas circulation channel adopts a double-helix twisted structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane material, and the gas circulation is driven by a micro air pump. A hydrophobic coating is provided in the closed micro gas circulation channel to separate the open drainage channel.

3. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The capillary groove is a V-shaped capillary groove, the water collecting chamber is a conical water collecting chamber, the end of the closed micro gas circulation channel is connected to the water collecting chamber, and the water collecting chamber is used to collect condensed water condensed by the V-shaped capillary groove.

4. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the V-shaped capillary groove is 0.4 mm, the depth is 0.6 mm, and the volume of the tapered water collection chamber is 0.2 mL.

5. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The V-shaped capillary groove extends along the air flow direction and guides the condensed water into the conical water collecting chamber through capillary action.

6. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed micro gas circulation channel is a channel structure with a flat rectangular cross-section, a width of 2 mm and a height of 1 mm, and the operating flow range of the micro air pump is 0.5-1 L / min.

7. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible sensor layer is attached to the closed micro gas circulation channel via heat-conducting silica gel.

8. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed micro gas circulation channel adopts a tree-like structure to cover the plane.

9. The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat-spreading layer includes a graphene heat-spreading sheet and aluminum fins, which are used to radiate and dissipate excess heat from the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler.

10. A heat exchange method for smart clothing based on microchannels, characterized by: The microchannel-based smart clothing heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprises the following steps: The micro air pump is driven to circulate the gas in the closed micro gas circulation channel, and the closed micro gas circulation channel is subjected to bidirectional temperature control through the flexible thermoelectric cooler: during cooling, the flexible thermoelectric cooler absorbs the heat of the gas, and during heating, the cold end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler releases heat to the gas; the graphene heat spreader and aluminum fins are used to radiate and dissipate the waste heat at the hot end of the flexible thermoelectric cooler.

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