Modular Flexible Thermoelectric Cooling for Large-Area Body Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct-cooling solutions, including thermoelectric devices, are inefficient and inconvenient for sedentary work and entertainment, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and are unaffordable and inaccessible in developing countries, failing to address the increasing demand for cooling due to global warming.
Innovation Solution
A flexible thermoelectric device with a large surface area coverage, using thermally conductive materials and flexible heat sinks, coupled with a power-efficient design that minimizes current usage and incorporates elastic materials for comfort and durability, allowing for on-demand cooling without external refrigeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid thermoelectric components are used for direct cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid thermoelectric cooling component is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each module contains its own thermoelectric element and heat sink assembly, allowing the system to maintain high cooling efficiency at each contact point while adapting to the contours of furniture surfaces and body positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible substrate or mounting mechanism is introduced between the rigid thermoelectric components and the furniture surface, allowing the components to be positioned at optimal locations while maintaining physical contact with both the furniture and the user's body for efficient heat transfer.
2Weight of moving object
If thermoelectric devices are made small and compact, then portability is improved, but cooling capacity and efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple small modular units distributed across the furniture surface. Each module is lightweight and compact, but collectively they provide sufficient cooling capacity by targeting specific high-heat areas such as the back, shoulders, and thighs where the user makes contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform cooling across the entire furniture surface, the thermoelectric modules are strategically positioned at locations where the user's body naturally contacts the furniture during sedentary activities, concentrating cooling capacity where it is most needed and reducing overall system weight.
3Device complexity
If air cooling is used for the hot side of thermoelectric components, then device simplicity is improved, but electrical efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A heat sink assembly serves as an intermediary between the thermoelectric component's hot side and the surrounding air. This heat sink provides a large surface area for heat dissipation, improving thermal transfer efficiency and reducing the electrical power required to maintain the temperature gradient across the thermoelectric element.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible substrates are used instead of rigid ceramics, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and durability of electrical connections are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a entirely flexible thermoelectric component, the system uses rigid thermoelectric modules mounted on flexible or adjustable support structures. This segmentation allows the use of durable, cost-effective rigid ceramics for the thermoelectric elements while introducing flexibility only where necessary for adaptation to furniture surfaces.
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 powerful, low-energy cooling with reduced waste heat, humidity, and cost, is lightweight and durable, and can replace air conditioning in some applications, offering a portable and efficient cooling solution.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of modules comprises a thermoelectric component
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink having a heat sink top surface, a heat sink bottom surface opposite the heat sink top surface
Implementation Method 3
a thermally conductive plate having a plate top surface and a plate bottom surface opposite the plate top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible thermoelectric device is disclosed that can cover a large surface area of a user's body. The flexible thermoelectric device allows for efficient cooling in a form factor that is comfortable, durable, and easy to use. The device includes a myriad of embodiments. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric device includes a plurality of modules wherein each module includes a thermally conductive plate, a heat sink, and a thermoelectric component disposed between. The plurality of modules is disposed on an elastic material. At least one of a plurality of spacers is disposed on the thermally conductive plate of each of the plurality of modules. The elastic material is coupled to the plurality of modules, the plurality of spacers, or a combination thereof. One or more power sources are electrically coupled to a plurality of modules for providing power to the thermoelectric components.