Flexible Temperature Regulation System with Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature regulation systems for clothing are bulky, heavy, require manual operation, and have limited range of operation, often failing to automatically adjust to changes in skin temperature, leading to user discomfort in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system that includes temperature sensors, flexible supports, and temperature adjustment elements, with a controlling unit that automatically adjusts heat or cold based on measured body temperatures and environmental parameters, allowing for wireless communication and operation without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional heating pads are used to provide temperature regulation, then heat can be delivered at relatively high levels, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones (first heating zone, second heating zone, third heating zone) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to deliver high heat output only where and when needed, rather than requiring a single large heating element that would increase weight and bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which heating zones are active based on real-time temperature measurements from multiple sensors. The controlling unit selectively activates specific heating zones based on detected temperature differences, allowing high power delivery when needed while minimizing energy consumption and reducing the effective thermal mass that would otherwise be required.
2Power
If all heating pads are activated to provide heat, then sufficient warmth is delivered, but the system loses adaptability to different body regions
Solution Approach 1:
Different heating zones are designed to target specific body regions (back, abdomen, thighs, arms, legs) with appropriate heating power. The system applies heat locally to where it is needed based on temperature sensor feedback, rather than uniformly heating all areas. This allows the system to adapt to different thermal needs of different body parts while maintaining effective heat delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature in each heating zone and feed this information back to the controlling unit. Based on this feedback, the system selectively activates or deactivates specific heating zones to maintain optimal temperature distribution across different body regions, providing adaptability while ensuring sufficient heat delivery where required.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to adjust heating pads, then user control is possible, but the system requires user intervention and is not automatic
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs temperature monitoring and heating control automatically without requiring user intervention. Temperature sensors continuously measure temperatures in different zones, and the controlling unit automatically determines which heating zones to activate based on detected temperature differences. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining optimal temperature distribution across body regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous temperature feedback from multiple sensors to automatically adjust heating zone activation. The controlling unit processes temperature data and selectively activates heating zones based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing adaptive temperature regulation that responds to changing thermal conditions.
4Power
If conventional heating systems are used, then heating capability is provided, but the system lacks automatic adaptation to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor temperatures in different body regions and environmental conditions, feeding this information back to the controlling unit. The system automatically adjusts heating zone activation based on this feedback, enabling it to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain optimal thermal comfort without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically responds to changing thermal conditions by selectively activating or deactivating heating zones based on real-time temperature measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain effective heating capability while adjusting to varying environmental conditions and user thermal needs.
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 provides efficient and automatic temperature regulation, enhancing user comfort by maintaining optimal body temperature without the need for manual adjustment, even in changing environments, through its ability to learn and adapt based on user data and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor adapted to generate a temperature measurement that relates to a temperature of a given portion of a body
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature adjustment element adapted to provide heat and/or cold to a given portion of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulation system for regulating the temperature of a body includes at least one temperature sensor adapted to generate a temperature measurement that relates to a temperature of a given portion of a body, at least one flexible support to be directly or indirectly positioned against or in proximity of a given portion of the body, at least one temperature adjustment element adapted to provide heat and/or cold to a given portion of the body, arranged on or in the flexible support, a memory unit adapted to store at least one temperature related threshold value, a logical unit in wire or wireless communication with the memory unit and adapted to perform logical processing, a controlling unit in wire or wireless communication with the logical unit, with the temperature sensor and with the temperature adjustment element.