Adjustable IR Composite Materials for Dynamic Thermal Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal management technologies face a trade-off between cost, ease of implementation, and dynamic control capabilities, with passive systems being static and inexpensive but unresponsive, and active systems being expensive and energy inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Development of composite materials with adjustable spectral properties, comprising an IR-transparent elastomeric matrix and IR-reflecting micro-domains anchored by nanostructures, allowing for dynamic adjustment of spacings between micro-domains via mechanical manipulation to control IR radiation transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If passive thermal management systems are used, then cost is reduced and implementation is simplified, but dynamic control capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoiddynamic control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a composite material where the spacing between micro-domains can be dynamically adjusted through mechanical manipulation of the elastomeric matrix. This allows the material to transition between different thermal states (heat trapping vs. heat dissipation) in response to external stimuli, combining the simplicity of passive materials with the adaptability of active systems. The material structure evolves from static to dynamic, enabling real-time thermal regulation without complex active components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If active thermal management systems are used, then dynamic control capability is improved, but cost increases and energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic control capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the self-service principle by designing a material that autonomously regulates heat transfer in response to environmental conditions or applied stimuli. The composite material self-adjusts its thermal properties through mechanical manipulation, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems. The material serves its own thermal regulation function, achieving energy efficiency by leveraging passive mechanical actuation rather than active energy-consuming components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the spacing between micro-domains is increased, then IR radiation transmission is improved, but thermal regulation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIR radiation transmissionVSAvoidthermal regulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the spacing between micro-domains dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. By mechanically manipulating the elastomeric matrix, the spacing can be varied to achieve different thermal states: larger spacing allows IR transmission for cooling, while smaller spacing enhances heat trapping. This dynamic configurability ensures that thermal regulation capability is maintained across varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composite materials achieve efficient and reversible control of IR radiation transmission with low energy input, combining the benefits of passive and active systems by being cost-effective, easy to implement, and user-controllable, while maintaining thermal regulation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of micro-domains overlaying the elastomeric matrix, the plurality of micro-domains being characterized by a micro-domain thickness and comprising an IR-reflecting material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric matrix characterized by an elastomer thickness and comprising an IR-transparent, flexible, and stretchable material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11913591B2Composite materials with adjustable spectral properties
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • US11913591B2 patent drawing
  • US11913591B2 patent drawing
  • US11913591B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Composite materials with adjustable spectral properties comprised of IR-reflecting micro-domains overlaying an IR-transparent elastomeric matrix, and capable of dynamically controlling IR radiation transmission are described, as well as methods of fabrication thereof. Systems with capabilities to regulate IR radiation (including heat) transmission based thereon, and methods of regulating IR radiation transmission (including thermal regulation) using the same are also provided.