Mesh Heating Element for Rapid Temperature Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature stimulus presentation devices, such as those using Peltier elements, experience delays in switching between ON and OFF states due to the time required to change temperature, leading to a several-second delay when the current is switched on or off.
Innovation Solution
A temperature stimulus presentation device with a control unit that changes the area or distance of a presentation unit, such as a mesh of heating wires, to rapidly switch between presenting and not presenting a temperature stimulus by adjusting the density or position of heating wires in contact with the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Peltier element is used to present temperature stimulus, then temperature stimulus can be generated, but switching between ON and OFF states is delayed by several seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple independent heating wires arranged in a mesh pattern, allowing selective activation of different regions. This segmentation enables rapid switching by controlling only the necessary heating zones rather than heating the entire element, reducing the thermal mass that needs to be heated or cooled for switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the heating wire configuration through a mesh structure that can selectively activate different regions. This dynamic regional control allows the system to rapidly switch between ON and OFF states by activating or deactivating specific heating zones based on real-time requirements, rather than maintaining a static heating configuration.
2Ease of operation
If current is switched ON and OFF to control temperature stimulus, then temperature stimulus can be controlled, but delay occurs due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heating element into multiple independent wires in a mesh pattern, the system can activate only the necessary regions rather than heating the entire element. This reduces the effective thermal mass that must respond to current switching, thereby decreasing the delay caused by thermal inertia while maintaining precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh structure of heating wires enables local quality control by allowing different regions to be heated independently according to specific requirements. This localized heating approach reduces the overall thermal mass involved in each switching event, decreasing response delay while maintaining ease of operation through region-specific temperature control.
3Temperature
If the entire heating element is activated, then sufficient heat is generated, but switching speed is reduced due to large thermal mass
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into multiple independent wires arranged in a mesh pattern, enabling selective activation of only the necessary regions. This segmentation reduces the effective thermal mass that must be heated or cooled during switching, thereby increasing switching speed while still generating sufficient heat in the activated regions to meet temperature requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating the entire heating element, the system uses partial action by activating only the necessary regions through the mesh structure. This partial activation reduces the thermal mass involved in each switching event, increasing switching speed while providing sufficient heat generation in the activated zones to meet the temperature stimulus requirements.
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
Enables rapid switching between ON and OFF states of the temperature stimulus, reducing delay times by leveraging the inverse proportionality of temperature perception to the presentation area, thereby improving responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a presentation unit configured to generate heat at a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a temperature stimulus presentation device with a control unit that changes the area or distance of a presentation unit, such as a mesh of heating wires, to rapidly switch between presenting and not presenting a temperature stimulus by adjusting the density or position of heating wires in contact with the user
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature stimulus presentation device includes a presentation unit that generates heat at a predetermined temperature, and a control unit that changes an area of the presentation unit depending on whether or not a temperature stimulus is presented.