Apparel Power System Wireless Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active thermo-regulated apparel systems for vehicles are limited by their rigidity, energy dependency, and the need for hard-wired connections, making them uncomfortable and impractical for prolonged use in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power system that generates electrical energy from the vehicle's engine and stores it in a rechargeable battery embedded in the apparel, allowing for wireless energy transfer to accessories like heating modules through handwear connectors, eliminating the need for hard-wired links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If phase change material is used for thermal storage in apparel, then thermal regulation capability is improved, but the system becomes rigid and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible polymer matrix to encapsulate phase change material particles, creating a flexible thermal storage composite that can be integrated into wearable apparel. The polymer shell maintains flexibility while containing the phase change material, resolving the contradiction between thermal regulation capability and comfortability.
2Temperature
If battery powered heating systems are used in apparel, then active heating capability is improved, but the system requires frequent recharging and has limited duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive phase change thermal storage with active battery-powered heating systems to create a hybrid thermal management system. The phase change material provides baseline thermal regulation while the battery system supplements heating when needed, extending operational duration without requiring frequent recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polymer particles with glass transition temperatures near body temperature to create a passive thermal storage system that operates without external power. This changes the operational parameters from active electrical heating to passive thermodynamic regulation, extending duration without recharging constraints.
3Duration of action of moving object
If wired heating systems are used in apparel, then continuous power supply is improved, but the system requires hard-wired connections to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rechargeable batteries directly into the apparel that can be recharged from the vehicle's electrical system when connected. This allows the apparel to serve itself with power needs, eliminating the requirement for hard-wired heating elements while maintaining continuous operation capability through periodic recharging from the vehicle.
4Use of energy by moving object
If resistive heating technology is integrated into apparel, then heating efficiency is improved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to incorporate into various apparel items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase change material particles locally within a polymer matrix at specific thermal zones in the apparel, rather than using comprehensive resistive heating systems throughout. This localized approach provides efficient thermal regulation where needed while keeping the overall system simple and easy to incorporate into various apparel designs.
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
Provides continuous power to apparel accessories like heated handwear and visors without the discomfort of hard-wired connections, ensuring reliable operation for extended periods without recharging, suitable for diverse vehicle types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A power system that generates electrical energy from the vehicle's engine and stores it in a rechargeable battery embedded in the apparel
Implementation Method 2
Current active heating technologies generally incorporate resistive heating
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an apparel power system is disclosed. The method uses an apparel accessory to be powered and an apparel adaptor to create an electrical contact between a vehicle and the apparel accessory. The apparel power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to the apparel accessory worn by the user of the vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. Contact between connecting elements of each of the apparel accessory, apparel adaptor and vehicle allow the electrical power to be transmitted between the vehicle to the apparel accessory and thereof the electrically powered accessories.