Graphite Composite Heat Spreader for Uniform Flexible Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for clothing and seating applications suffer from hot spots and temperature gradients, which affect comfort and efficiency, and require significant power to maintain uniform heating or cooling.
Innovation Solution
A composite article incorporating a sheet of compressed exfoliated graphite or graphitized polymer, reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymers and coated with protective materials, which acts as a heat spreader to distribute heat evenly and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If wire resistive heating systems are used to generate heat in distinct locations, then heating capability is provided, but hot spots and temperature gradients occur affecting comfort and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A graphite heat spreader layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the resistive heating elements and the inner fabric layer. This heat spreader has high thermal conductivity that distributes heat laterally across the heating zone, preventing localized hot spots and reducing temperature gradients while maintaining the heating capability of the original resistive heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system uses a composite structure combining resistive heating elements (wire or fabric-based) with a graphite heat spreader material. This composite approach leverages the electrical heating capability of the resistive elements and the high thermal conductivity of graphite to achieve uniform temperature distribution, resolving the contradiction between heating effectiveness and temperature uniformity.
2Temperature
If power is increased to maintain uniform heating, then temperature uniformity improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphite heat spreader acts as a thermal mediator that efficiently distributes heat laterally with minimal additional power input. By improving heat distribution through this high-conductivity intermediary layer, the system achieves better temperature uniformity without needing to increase overall power consumption, as the heat is redistributed more effectively rather than requiring additional heating power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the system by introducing graphite material with high thermal conductivity between the heating elements and the fabric. This parameter change enables more efficient heat distribution, allowing uniform temperature to be achieved at lower power consumption levels compared to systems relying solely on increased heating power.
3Temperature
If flexible graphite composite is used as heat spreader, then temperature uniformity and flexibility are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat spreader is implemented as a flexible thin film or sheet of graphite composite material that can be conformally attached to the inner surface of the jacket. This flexible film approach maintains temperature uniformity benefits while avoiding rigid complex structures, and the thin-film nature allows it to be integrated into the existing jacket layers without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite graphite materials (such as expanded graphite or graphite-flake-based composites) provides a practical solution that combines high thermal conductivity with flexibility and ease of manufacturing. These composite materials can be produced as ready-to-install sheets or films, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of incorporating advanced thermal management into the garment.
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 composite article enhances temperature uniformity, reduces hot spots, and decreases power requirements, allowing for faster heating and improved comfort while maintaining flexibility and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite or graphitized polymer... which acts as a heat spreader to distribute heat evenly
Data Source
AI summary
A composite article is provided for use as a heat spreader, a cooling element or as part of the heating system for a wide variety of items. The composite article can include at least one sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite or graphiiized polymer. A protective coating may be aligned or adhered with a surface of the sheet. The article may also include at least one of a fiber reinforced polymer, a fiber weave or fiber mat or combinations thereof, aligned with at least one of the first surface of the sheet or a second surface of the sheet. The composite article can include a plurality of strips of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, of graphiiized polymer or combinations thereof, which are woven together and/or it can Include cut outs, slits or other perforations to provide flexibility, stretehabi Kiy, and breathability.