Intelligent tent fabric with self-adaptive active anti-condensation function and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent tent fabric with a self-adaptive active anti-condensation function and a preparation method thereof. The technical key points are as follows: the fabric comprises outer-layer base cloth, a patterned conductive heating layer arranged on the inner side of the outer-layer base cloth, a waterproof moisture-permeable insulating layer arranged on the inner side of the conductive heating layer, and an intelligent control unit connected with the patterned conductive heating layer, the intelligent control unit comprises a humidity sensor used for detecting environment humidity and a controller used for controlling the conductive heating layer according to humidity signals. The problem of moisture condensation on the inner surface of the tent fabric in the high-humidity environment is solved, compared with an existing product, humidity in a tent can be sensed in real time, the heating function can be automatically started, the situation that the temperature of the inner surface of the fabric is lower than the dew point is avoided, moisture condensation on the inner surface of the fabric is actively prevented, and the fabric has excellent heat preservation, water resistance and moisture permeability; the method accords with the current intelligent and lightweight development trend, and is safe, reliable and good in process compatibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart textiles and outdoor equipment technology, specifically to a smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Tents are a type of outdoor equipment, available in various sizes and specifications. They provide a simple shelter in the wild, protecting people from natural elements such as wind, rain, sun, and insects. Tents used for mountaineering and hiking are typically lightweight and feature wind and rain protection.

[0003] However, when tents are used in rainy weather or high humidity environments, the temperature difference between the inside and outside can easily cause the inner surface temperature of the fabric to drop below the dew point, resulting in condensation. This condensation wets the tent's internal equipment, causes discomfort to the user, and may promote mold growth. Existing solutions mostly focus on passive protection: one is to reduce humidity inside the tent through physical ventilation, but this is limited in effectiveness in rainy weather and sacrifices insulation; another is to use waterproof and breathable high-tech fabrics (such as GORE-TEX), but in extremely high humidity environments, the rate of moisture removal is slower than the rate of condensation formation; and a third is to use external independent heaters, which adds extra weight and volume, poses safety hazards, and does not align with the trend of lightweight outdoor equipment development. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function and its preparation method, which solves the problem of condensation on the inner surface of tent fabric in high humidity environments. Compared with existing products, it can sense the humidity inside the tent in real time and automatically activate the heating function to prevent the temperature of the inner surface of the fabric from falling below the dew point, actively preventing condensation on the inner surface of the fabric. It also has excellent heat preservation, waterproof and moisture-permeable properties, which is in line with the current trend of intelligent and lightweight development. It is safe, reliable and has good process compatibility.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: A smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function, the key technical features of which are: an outer base fabric, a patterned conductive heating layer disposed on the inner side of the outer base fabric, a waterproof and breathable insulating layer disposed on the inner side of the conductive heating layer, and a smart control unit connected to the patterned conductive heating layer. The smart control unit includes a humidity sensor for detecting ambient humidity and a controller for controlling the conductive heating layer according to the humidity signal.

[0006] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function has a conductive heating layer that is a mesh-like or serpentine conductive film formed by screen printing conductive paste. The conductive paste contains either conductive carbon material or metal-based conductive nanowires.

[0007] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function uses a flexible resistive humidity sensor, which is attached to the inner side of the waterproof and breathable insulation layer by printing.

[0008] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller in the intelligent control unit for overheat protection and intelligent temperature control.

[0009] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function is powered by a low-voltage DC power supply for its intelligent control unit.

[0010] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function has a phase change temperature regulating material layer between the conductive heating layer and the waterproof and breathable insulation layer.

[0011] The aforementioned smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function has at least three evenly distributed conductive heating circuits in its conductive heating layer. The humidity sensor corresponds one-to-one with the conductive heating circuit. Each conductive heating circuit uses an independent power supply port. The conductive heating circuits are connected in parallel and then connected to the main power supply terminal, making the product structure simpler.

[0012] A method for preparing a smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function as described above, the key technical points of which include the following steps: Step 1: Perform water-repellent finishing and calendering on the outer base fabric; Step 2: Apply conductive paste to the outer base fabric in a preset pattern using screen printing, and then cure to form a conductive heating layer; Step 3: Hot-press the waterproof and breathable insulating layer with the outer base fabric containing the conductive and heating layer. Step 4: Connect the intelligent control unit to the conductive heating layer, and integrate the intelligent control unit with the fabric after hot pressing and lamination.

[0013] The above-mentioned method for preparing intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function involves step 2, after forming the conductive heating layer, spraying a phase change microcapsule coating, i.e., a phase change temperature-regulating material layer, onto the surface of the conductive heating layer, followed by step 3. This achieves a conductive heating fabric with dual temperature and humidity control.

[0014] The above-mentioned method for preparing intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function involves using a conductive paste made of silver-coated copper nanowires and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which is then used for screen printing in step 2. This results in a flexible, foldable, lightweight conductive heating fabric.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. Active intelligent anti-condensation: Automatically triggers heating through humidity sensing, fundamentally and proactively solving the condensation problem.

[0016] 2. High efficiency and lightweight design: The heating function is integrated into the fabric in the form of a coating, avoiding the weight and bulkiness of an external heater.

[0017] 3. Safe and reliable: It adopts low voltage power supply and insulation protection layer design, and can be equipped with overheat protection.

[0018] 4. Maintain comfort: While achieving active heating, the original waterproof and breathable properties of the fabric are preserved.

[0019] 5. Strong process compatibility: The proposed screen printing and lamination process is highly compatible with existing textile coating production lines, facilitating large-scale production.

[0020] 6. The conductive heating layer is integrated with the outer base fabric, making it resistant to damage even under tensile and bending forces. Furthermore, integrating the waterproof and breathable insulating layer into the fabric base enhances the overall safety of the smart fabric. Therefore, the fabric boasts excellent reliability and a superior user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fabric cross-section of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Outer base fabric, 2. Conductive heating layer, 3. Waterproof and breathable insulation layer, 4. Controller, 5. Humidity sensor, 6. Temperature sensor, 7. Conductive heating circuit, 8. Low voltage DC power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function includes an outer base fabric 1, a patterned conductive heating layer 2 disposed on the inner side of the outer base fabric 2, a waterproof and breathable insulating layer 3 disposed on the inner side of the conductive heating layer 2, and a smart control unit connected to the patterned conductive heating layer 2. The smart control unit includes a humidity sensor 5 for detecting ambient humidity and a controller 4 for controlling the conductive heating layer 2 according to the humidity signal.

[0025] Example 1: Basic application of conductive heating fabric based on conductive carbon material.

[0026] This embodiment provides a fabric suitable for most three-season tents, balancing performance and cost.

[0027] Among them, the outer base fabric 1 is made of 240T spring spun polyester fabric, which is treated with water repellency (water repellency grade ≥ 4) and calendering (pressure 10 MPa, temperature 110 ℃).

[0028] Preparation and printing of conductive paste: The conductive paste consists of 70 parts by weight of conductive carbon paste (40% solid content), 25 parts by weight of water-based polyurethane adhesive (FS-781), 0.5 parts by weight of leveling agent, and 4.5 parts by weight of deionized water, ground to a viscosity of 3500 cP. Using a 120-mesh screen, print a serpentine grid pattern with a line width of 15 mm and a spacing of 10 mm.

[0029] Curing and lamination: Curing was performed at 125 °C for 2.5 minutes to form a conductive heating layer 2 with a dry film thickness of 25 µm and a sheet resistance of 18 Ω / □. Subsequently, it was hot-pressed with a 15 µm thick waterproof and breathable insulating layer 3-TPU film (moisture permeability ≥8000 g / m² / 24h) at 150 °C and 2.0 MPa.

[0030] The composite fabric is integrated with the intelligent control unit, which is connected to the conductive heating layer 2. The humidity sensor 5 is a flexible resistive humidity sensor, which is attached to the inner side of the waterproof and breathable insulation layer 3 by printing.

[0031] The system performance of this embodiment is as follows: operating voltage 12V DC, power density 85 W / m², humidity response threshold 55% RH. Under ambient temperature of 5 ℃ and humidity of 80%, the surface temperature inside the tent can rise to 2.5 ℃ above the dew point temperature within 3 minutes. The finished product has a hydrostatic pressure ≥45 kPa and a moisture permeability ≥5200 g / m² / 24h.

[0032] Example 2: High-performance conductive heating fabric based on graphene.

[0033] This embodiment provides a fabric suitable for high-end expedition tents, requiring fast response and lower power consumption.

[0034] Among them, the outer base fabric 1 is made of 20D nylon fabric, which is treated with water repellency and calendering.

[0035] Preparation and printing of conductive paste: The conductive paste consists of 40 parts by weight of graphene dispersion (5% solid content), 50 parts by weight of aqueous fluorocarbon polymer (FS-760), 1.5 parts by weight of dispersant, and 8.5 parts by weight of isopropanol, and is ball-milled for 4 hours. A double helix grid pattern with an 8 mm line width and 5 mm spacing is printed using a 200-mesh screen.

[0036] Curing and lamination: Step curing (100 ℃ / 1min + 140 ℃ / 1.5min) is used to form a conductive heating layer 2 with a dry film thickness of 12 µm and a sheet resistance of 8 Ω / □. This layer is then laminated with an 8 µm thick waterproof and breathable insulating layer 3 - an EPTFE film (hydrostatic pressure ≥80 kPa) using a partitioned hot-pressing process.

[0037] Then it is integrated with the intelligent control unit for processing, the same as in Example 1.

[0038] The system performance of this embodiment is as follows: operating voltage 5 V USB, power density 65 W / m², humidity response threshold 50% RH (adjustable). Under ambient temperature of 0 ℃ and humidity of 85%, the risk of condensation can be eliminated within 2 minutes. After 30 washes, the sheet resistance change rate of the fabric is <8%.

[0039] Example 3: Temperature and humidity dual-control conductive heating fabric based on hybrid phase change material.

[0040] This embodiment provides a fabric for all-season tents in extreme environments, achieving a synergy between active heating and passive temperature regulation.

[0041] Among them, the outer base fabric 1 and the conductive heating layer 2 are prepared in the same way as in Example 1, with a conductive carbon paste mesh layer (sheet resistance 22 Ω / □).

[0042] Add a phase change temperature regulating material layer: Spray a phase change microcapsule coating (PCM-28, coating amount 35g / m²) onto the conductive heating layer 2.

[0043] Composite process: A three-step lamination method is adopted, and finally it is laminated with a waterproof and breathable insulating 3-TPU film at 125 ℃ to ensure that the PCM microcapsule integrity rate is >95%.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the intelligent control unit, in addition to the humidity sensor 5, also includes a temperature sensor 6 connected to the controller 4 for overheat protection and intelligent temperature control. The intelligent control unit is powered by a low-voltage DC power supply 8. The conductive heating layer 2 has at least three uniformly distributed conductive heating circuits 7. Each humidity sensor 5 corresponds to one conductive heating circuit 7. Each conductive heating circuit 7 has an independent power supply port, and all conductive heating circuits 7 are connected in parallel to the main power supply terminal.

[0045] The system performance of this embodiment is as follows: enthalpy value 28.5 J / g. In intermittent heating mode (2 min operation, 8 min stop), the temperature fluctuation inside the tent is reduced by 42%, and energy saving is 35% compared to ordinary heating fabrics.

[0046] Example 4: Achieving a flexible, foldable, lightweight conductive heating fabric.

[0047] This embodiment provides a fabric for ultralight backpacker tents.

[0048] The outer base fabric 1 is made of 7D nylon twill (area density 28 g / m²).

[0049] Preparation and printing of conductive paste: The conductive paste is made of silver-coated copper nanowires (aspect ratio > 500) and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. The conductive heating layer formed after printing has a sheet resistance of 5 Ω / □ and can withstand 5000 bends.

[0050] Composite: Composite with a 5μm ultrathin waterproof and breathable insulating 3-TPU film, with adhesion improved by plasma treatment.

[0051] The system performance of this embodiment is as follows: total fabric weight gain ≤ 45 g / m². Using flexible printed batteries, the overall system weight is 150 g / m². The power density is 45 W / m², and in an environment of 10 ℃ and 75 %RH, it can reduce the relative humidity of a 1 m² tent space to 65% within 5 minutes.

[0052] Experimental data and test results The key performance characteristics of the finished products from the above embodiments are shown in the table below:

[0053] The above data shows that the fabrics provided in each embodiment of the present invention have achieved the designed active anti-condensation function, and also have excellent waterproof and breathable properties as well as durability.

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the content described is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function, characterized in that: The device includes an outer base fabric, a patterned conductive heating layer disposed inside the outer base fabric, a waterproof and breathable insulating layer disposed inside the conductive heating layer, and an intelligent control unit connected to the patterned conductive heating layer. The intelligent control unit includes a humidity sensor for detecting ambient humidity and a controller for controlling the conductive heating layer based on the humidity signal.

2. The smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive heating layer is a mesh-like or serpentine conductive film formed by screen printing conductive paste, wherein the conductive paste contains either conductive carbon material or metal-based conductive nanowires.

3. The intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The humidity sensor is a flexible resistive humidity sensor, which is attached to the inner side of the waterproof and breathable insulation layer by printing.

4. The intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent control unit also includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller to implement overheat protection and achieve intelligent temperature control.

5. The intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent control unit is powered by a low-voltage DC power supply.

6. The intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A phase change temperature regulating material layer is provided between the conductive heating layer and the waterproof and breathable insulating layer.

7. The intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive heating layer has at least three evenly distributed conductive heating circuits. The humidity sensor corresponds one-to-one with the conductive heating circuit. Each conductive heating circuit uses an independent power supply port. The conductive heating circuits are connected in parallel and then connected to the main power supply terminal, making the product structure simpler.

8. A method for preparing a smart tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function as described in any one of claims 1-7, the key technical point of which is that it includes the following steps: Step 1: Perform water-repellent finishing and calendering on the outer base fabric; Step 2: Apply conductive paste to the outer base fabric in a preset pattern using screen printing, and then cure to form a conductive heating layer; Step 3: Hot-press the waterproof and breathable insulating layer with the outer base fabric containing the conductive and heating layer. Step 4: Connect the intelligent control unit to the conductive heating layer, and integrate the intelligent control unit with the fabric after hot pressing and lamination.

9. The method for preparing the intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 8, characterized in that: Step 2: After forming the conductive heating layer, a phase change microcapsule coating, i.e. a phase change temperature regulating material layer, is sprayed onto the surface of the conductive heating layer. Then, step 3 is performed.

10. The method for preparing the intelligent tent fabric with adaptive active anti-condensation function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conductive paste is made of silver-coated copper nanowires and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and is used for screen printing in step 2.

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