Cooling material for bedding applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bedding materials fail to effectively absorb heat from the user's body, especially when air conditioning is not available, and may be uncomfortable due to the use of foams or gels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered, multi-fabric material comprising Tencel, Polyester, recycled fiber-Polyester, Spandex, and Phase Change Material (PCM) or Graphene Polyester, designed to absorb and regulate body heat through a combination of synthetic and natural materials, with optional thermoplastic polyurethane laminate for breathability and moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional bedding materials (cotton, polyester) are used, then comfort and breathability are maintained, but heat absorption and cooling effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple fabric types (Tencel, polyester, spandex) with phase change materials (PCM) to create a multi-layered bedding structure. This composite approach enables the material to both absorb heat effectively and maintain comfort, resolving the contradiction between traditional material comfort and cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb and release heat through phase transitions (solid-liquid-solid). This scientific principle enables the bedding to actively manage temperature by absorbing excess body heat when warm and releasing it when cool, significantly improving heat absorption capability while maintaining comfort.
2Temperature
If air conditioning is used to maintain cool temperature, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service cooling through phase change materials that automatically absorb and release heat based on temperature conditions. The PCM absorbs body heat when temperature rises and releases it when temperature drops, creating a self-regulating thermal system that reduces or eliminates the need for external air conditioning energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change materials undergo reversible phase transitions (freezing and melting) that naturally regulate temperature without external energy input. This passive thermal regulation system replaces active air conditioning, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining cool temperature comfort.
3Temperature
If foams or gels are used for cooling, then heat absorption is improved, but user comfort and welcomeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soft, comfortable fabrics (Tencel, polyester, spandex) with phase change materials to create a composite structure that provides both heat removal capability and user comfort. This eliminates the discomfort associated with traditional foam or gel cooling products while maintaining effective heat absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change materials are integrated into flexible fabric layers that conform to the body, providing effective heat removal through phase transitions while maintaining the softness and comfort of textile materials. This approach avoids the harsh, uncomfortable feel of traditional foam or gel cooling products.
4Temperature
If multi-layered multi-fabric material is used, then cooling effectiveness and breathability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bedding into multiple functional layers, each with specific properties: outer fabric layers for comfort and breathability, intermediate layers with phase change materials for heat absorption, and inner layers for moisture management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while collectively achieving superior cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered structure combines different fabric types and phase change materials into a unified composite product. While the structure is complex, the composite design integrates all layers into a single manufacturable bedding item that delivers enhanced cooling and breathability performance.
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 material effectively absorbs and dissipates heat, providing a cool touch sensation and reducing stress through conductivity, while maintaining breathability and comfort, without the need for air conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
Phase Change Material (PCM)
Implementation Method 2
Graphene Polyester
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling fabric for using in bedding applications. The cooling material is preferably made as a multi-layered, multi-fabric material. The bedding related cooling material may be used to form, either partially or in whole, bedding products, such as bed sheets, mattress protectors, or pillows.