Patterned Heat Management Fabric for Breathable Thermal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat reflective materials for garments, such as aluminum and Mylar, impede breathability and moisture vapor transfer, leading to discomfort and heat loss during physical activity due to trapped moisture and impaired flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A patterned heat management material is integrated into a base fabric, allowing for heat direction through reflection or conductivity while maintaining the fabric's desired properties like breathability and flexibility, using heat management elements such as aluminum or copper-based materials disposed in a non-continuous array to manage body heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a unitary solid film heat reflective material is attached to the interior of a garment, then heat reflection and thermal radiation inhibition are improved, but breathability and moisture vapor transfer are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous heat reflective film is segmented into a pattern of discrete heat reflective elements arranged in an array. This segmentation allows moisture vapor and air to pass through the gaps between elements, maintaining breathability while preserving heat reflection capability through the distributed reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the garment lining are assigned different functions: heat reflective elements provide thermal reflection in specific zones, while the base fabric in intervening areas maintains moisture wicking and breathability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize its primary function.
2Temperature
If a heat reflective material is applied to the interior of a garment, then thermal radiation inhibition is improved, but moisture transfer and air passage are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The heat reflective material is divided into discrete elements rather than applied as a continuous layer. The spaces between these segmented elements create pathways for moisture vapor and air to pass through, enabling both thermal radiation inhibition and moisture transfer to occur simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned arrangement of heat reflective elements creates an inherently porous structure with gaps that allow moisture vapor and air passage. This porous configuration enables the material to perform both thermal reflection and moisture transfer functions without compromising either.
3Temperature
If a continuous heat reflective coating is used, then heat reflection is maximized, but fabric flexibility and stretch are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous heat reflective coating is replaced with discrete heat reflective elements arranged in a pattern. This segmentation allows the base fabric to flex and stretch freely in the spaces between elements, maintaining fabric flexibility while the distributed reflective elements continue to provide heat reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric structure is designed with local variations: rigid heat reflective elements in specific positions for thermal management, and flexible base fabric in intervening areas for stretch and drape. This local quality differentiation preserves overall fabric flexibility while achieving heat reflection.
4Temperature
If a solid film heat reflective material is attached to the base fabric, then thermal management is improved, but the desired properties of the base fabric are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solid film is segmented into discrete elements that are attached to the base fabric in a patterned arrangement. This segmentation allows the base fabric to maintain its inherent properties such as breathability, moisture wicking, and softness in the areas not covered by reflective elements, while thermal management is achieved through the distributed reflective pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment lining is designed with spatially varying properties: heat reflective elements provide thermal management in specific zones, while the base fabric maintains its natural functionality in intervening areas. This local quality approach allows both thermal management and base fabric functionality to coexist without mutual interference.
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 allows for effective heat management while preserving the base fabric's functionality, reducing moisture buildup and enhancing comfort and performance during various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The purpose of this layer is to inhibit thermal radiation by reflecting the body heat of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
manage heat through reflection or conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.