Heated Garment with Zone Control and Battery Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated jackets face challenges in maintaining optimal body temperature, as they either fail to keep users warm enough if insulation is too thin or cause overheating if it is too thick, lacking a reliable and adjustable heating solution.
Innovation Solution
An electrically heated jacket with a heating system integrated into the garment body, including a heater array, battery receptacle, and control module, allowing for adjustable thermal output and separate control of heating zones, including a core heater array and pocket heater array, powered by a rechargeable lithium-based battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulation is made thicker to keep users warm, then warmth is improved, but overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical insulation system with an active electrical heating system. Instead of relying on thick insulation to trap body heat, the system uses electric heaters embedded in the garment to generate heat on demand, controlled by a power source and control circuitry. This allows precise temperature regulation without the overheating problems of thick insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system provides dynamic temperature control through adjustable heating elements and control circuitry. The system can actively regulate heat output based on user needs and environmental conditions, transitioning from static insulation to dynamic thermal management that prevents both cold and overheating.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If insulation is made thinner to prevent overheating, then comfort is improved, but insufficient warmth is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes passive insulation with active electrical heating to provide sufficient warmth without requiring thick insulation. The electric heaters can be activated only when needed, allowing thin garment construction that prevents overheating while delivering adequate heat through controlled electrical energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters dynamically through controllable heating elements. Instead of fixed insulation properties, the heating system can adjust temperature output by controlling electrical power delivery, enabling the garment to provide adequate warmth on demand without the thermal mass that causes overheating.
3Device complexity
If traditional insulation is used, then simplicity is maintained, but adjustable thermal output is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional garment system that combines traditional insulation with active heating capabilities. The garment can operate in multiple modes: passive insulation, active heating, or hybrid mode, providing both simplicity and adjustability through a unified system that serves multiple thermal regulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into controllable zones with independent heating elements. This allows different portions of the garment to be heated independently, providing granular thermal control and adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture through modular design.
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 electrically heated jacket provides customizable heat distribution, maintaining a temperature of up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring user comfort by allowing adjustable thermal settings and separate control of heating zones, thus addressing the limitations of traditional insulated jackets.
Implementation Method 1
A heating system is coupled to the garment body. The heating system includes a heater configured to heat the garment body and a heater supply cable for providing electrical power to the heater.
Implementation Method 2
A battery receptacle is supported by the garment body. The battery receptacle is configured to receive electrical power from a battery pack.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of clothing including a garment body and a heating system coupled to the garment body. The heating system includes a heater configured to heat the garment body and a heater supply cable for providing electrical power to the heater. The article of clothing further includes a battery receptacle supported by the garment body and an accessory device separate from the garment body. The battery receptacle is configured to receive electrical power from a battery pack. The battery receptacle is connectable to the heater supply cable to supply electrical power from the battery pack to the heating system. The accessory device includes a heating element and a power cord connectable to the heating system. The accessory device is configured to be powered by the heating system.