Integration of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric heating and cooling systems integrated into bedding and seating products often result in a lumpy feeling due to vertically oriented rigid thermoelectric elements, which can cause discomfort and are inefficient in heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of compacted conductors within an insulating material and expanded conductors outside, oriented parallel or at an acute angle to the panel's long dimension, along with the use of a spacer mesh for airflow and diodes for fault tolerance, enhances comfort and efficiency by eliminating the lumpy feeling and improving heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermoelectric elements are oriented vertically to the long dimension of the panel, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to lumpy feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of thermoelectric elements from vertical (perpendicular to panel surface) to horizontal (parallel to panel surface), effectively rotating the elements 90 degrees. This dimensional change allows the elements to lie flat against the panel, eliminating the lumpy feeling while maintaining heat dissipation efficiency through the panel's thermal conduction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible insulating panel material that can accommodate the thermoelectric elements in a horizontal orientation. The panel's flexible nature allows it to conform to the elements and distribute pressure evenly, preventing the lumpy sensation against the user's body while maintaining effective thermal coupling for heat dissipation.
2Ease of operation
If thermoelectric elements are oriented horizontally parallel to the long dimension of the panel, then user comfort is improved by eliminating lumpy feeling, but heat dissipation efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, acts as a mounting substrate for horizontally oriented thermoelectric elements, and functions as a heat dissipation pathway. The panel's material properties and structure are designed to conduct heat efficiently in the horizontal direction while maintaining insulation on the opposite side, thus supporting both comfort and heat dissipation goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating panel acts as an intermediary medium between the thermoelectric elements and the external environment. It provides a thermally conductive pathway for heat to dissipate from the horizontally oriented elements while maintaining a smooth, comfortable surface contact with the user, effectively mediating between thermal management requirements and comfort requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid thermoelectric elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but pressure distribution deteriorates causing potential pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible insulating panel that acts as a cushioning layer between the rigid thermoelectric elements and the user's body. This flexible intermediary distributes the pressure from the rigid elements across a larger surface area, preventing localized high-pressure points that could cause pressure ulcers, while the elements themselves remain rigid for manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating panel serves as a pre-positioned cushioning layer that is integrated into the product structure before use. This cushioning is built-in and permanent, providing continuous pressure distribution protection against the rigid thermoelectric elements, thereby preventing pressure ulcers before they can occur during product operation.
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
This configuration provides uniform heating and cooling while reducing the likelihood of pressure ulcers by ensuring even pressure distribution and efficient heat dissipation, enhancing user comfort and preventing pressure ulcers through controlled temperature adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric heating and cooling system comprising a connected string of thermoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
woven into an insulating panel, which may be comprised of a soft material like foam, memory foam, batting, or natural fabrics
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric device including a panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements including compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.