Heat generating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat generating devices face issues with uniform heat generation, equipment corrosion, component settling, and steam generation due to the viscosity of heat generative compositions, which lead to manufacturing challenges and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A heat generating device with a fibrous sheet containing superabsorbent polymer particles and hydrophilic fibers, where a layer of oxidizable metal particles is applied separately from an aqueous electrolyte solution, ensuring controlled water content and preventing oxidation during processing, and is enclosed in a non-fixed state within an air-permeable material to facilitate uniform heat generation and steam release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a viscous heat generative composition is applied to a base sheet, then the composition can be disposed on the sheet, but the air permeability of the sheet is impaired and the composition comes off easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the heat generative composition from viscous to granular/powdered form. This parameter change allows the composition to be disposed on the base sheet without impairing air permeability and prevents it from coming off easily, as the granular material can be contained within the base sheet structure rather than forming a continuous viscous layer.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heat generative composition is applied in a viscous state, then it can be disposed on the base sheet, but the disperse state is not maintained and components settle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from viscous to granular, and the granular composition maintains its disperse state during application and drying processes. The granular form prevents component settling while allowing easy disposal on the base sheet, and the composition can be contained within the base sheet structure without requiring viscous adhesion.
3Reliability
If the heat generative composition contains electrolyte and oxidizable metal powder, then heat generation occurs, but equipment corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generative components (electrolyte and oxidizable metal powder) from a continuous viscous composition and disperses them as separate granular particles. This extraction and dispersion approach allows the components to be contained within the base sheet structure, isolating them from external equipment and reducing corrosion, while still enabling heat generation when the composition contacts air.
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 solution provides a heat generating device with stable and uniform heat generation, reduced equipment corrosion, and improved reproducibility, maintaining flexibility and fit on the wearer's body, while minimizing equipment maintenance and production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a base sheet formed of a fibrous sheet containing superabsorbent polymer particles and hydrophilic fibers
Implementation Method 2
hydrophilic fibers
Implementation Method 3
a layer of a heat generative composition containing oxidizable metal particles
Implementation Method 4
heat generating element having an ink-like or creamy heat generative composition disposed on and sealed in an enclosing material
Data Source
AI summary
A heat generating device including a heat generating element and an enclosing material entirely enclosing the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes a base sheet formed of a fibrous sheet containing superabsorbent polymer particles and hydrophilic fibers and a layer of a heat generative composition containing oxidizable metal particles on a side of the base sheet. The enclosing material includes a first cover sheet and a second cover sheet bonded together in their peripheral portions to provide a space therebetween in which the heat generating member is placed. The heat generating element in the space is in a non-fixed state to the enclosing material. The first cover sheet has air permeability in part and is disposed on the side of the layer of the heat generative composition. The heat generating device is capable of releasing steam from the side of the first cover sheet during use.