Apparel Thermo-Regulatory System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional apparel fails to effectively maintain core body temperature within a predetermined range, especially during athletic or high-performance activities, due to inefficiencies in heat management and integration of thermoelectric modules.
Innovation Solution
An apparel thermo-regulatory system incorporating thermoelectric modules (TEMs) integrated with a flexible, dimensionally stable frame and absorbent materials, utilizing sweat evaporation for heat dissipation and reversible polarity for both heating and cooling, allowing efficient temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional apparel is used, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is good, but the ability to maintain core body temperature within a predetermined range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel is divided into multiple functional layers including a base layer with thermoelectric modules, an intermediate layer with phase change materials, and an outer layer. Each layer performs a specific thermal regulation function, allowing the system to maintain core body temperature through coordinated action of segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric modules serve multiple functions: active heating when polarity is one direction, active cooling when polarity is reversed, and can be integrated with sensors for monitoring. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address various thermal regulation needs without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If thermoelectric modules are integrated into apparel, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Thermoelectric modules, wiring, and control components are pre-assembled into integrated units or panels before incorporation into the apparel. This preliminary assembly simplifies the main manufacturing process by reducing the number of steps required during apparel production and ensures proper integration of thermal regulation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric modules are mounted on flexible substrates or thin frames that conform to the apparel structure. This approach maintains the flexibility and wearability of the garment while integrating the rigid electronic components, making the manufacturing process more similar to traditional apparel production.
3Temperature
If thermoelectric modules operate continuously, then temperature control is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric modules operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system monitors body temperature and activates the modules only when temperature deviates from the predetermined range, allowing periodic heating or cooling cycles that maintain temperature while minimizing energy consumption during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that automatically detect when heating or cooling is needed and control the thermoelectric modules accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for continuous operation by having the system serve itself through automatic monitoring and activation only when necessary.
4Loss of energy
If absorbent materials are used for sweat evaporation, then heat dissipation is improved, but the material becomes saturated and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent materials are designed to be removable and reusable. After becoming saturated with sweat, the materials can be detached from the apparel, washed to remove accumulated sweat and salts, and reused. This discarding and recovering process restores the absorbent capacity of the materials, extending their effective lifespan without requiring replacement.
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 system efficiently maintains optimal body temperature through sweat-evaporative heat dissipation and reversible TEMs, enhancing performance and recovery by minimizing power consumption and maintaining temperature differentials.
Implementation Method 1
the first surface of the thermoelectric module is positioned adjacent to the inner-facing surface of the apparel item... the second surface of the thermoelectric module is positioned adjacent to the absorbent material... the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat from the first surface to the second surface
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent material... configured to release sweat therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to an apparel thermo-regulatory system that actively heats or cools a wearer. The apparel thermo-regulatory system comprises an apparel item, a dimensionally stable frame comprising at least one aperture that is affixed to an outer-facing surface of the apparel item at a predetermined location, an absorbent material applied to an exposed face of the dimensionally stable frame, and at least one thermoelectric module that is releasably positioned within the aperture of the dimensionally stable frame.