Phase-Change Thermal Regulation Membrane for Lightweight Cooling Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional performance apparel fails to effectively manage body temperature during physical exertion, leading to overheating and potential health issues, while cooling mechanisms like absorbent materials, cooling tubes, and packs add weight and are not lightweight.
Innovation Solution
An article of apparel with a comfort regulation membrane containing a cooling agent, latent heat agent, and heat dissipation agent, applied via a binder to a base textile, enhancing temperature regulation and moisture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling mechanisms (cooling tubes, packs) are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cooling system by using phase change materials that undergo solid-liquid transitions at specific temperatures. This allows the material to absorb and release large amounts of latent heat without significant temperature change, providing effective cooling with minimal mass compared to conventional active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite cooling system by integrating phase change materials with absorbent polymers and binding agents into a unified coating structure. This composite approach combines the high latent heat capacity of PCMs with the moisture management capabilities of absorbent materials, achieving both cooling and moisture control functions in a single lightweight layer.
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent material is used to draw moisture away from skin, then moisture management is improved, but heat absorption capability is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated material system: moisture absorption and heat absorption. The phase change materials are embedded within the absorbent polymer matrix, creating a unified structure that simultaneously manages both moisture transport and thermal energy absorption, eliminating the need for separate functional layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs moisture through the hydrophilic polymer network, absorbs heat through phase change transitions, and provides evaporative cooling. This multi-functional design allows a single material layer to address both moisture management and thermal regulation needs.
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 thermal regulation membrane effectively delays skin temperature rise and improves moisture management, providing enhanced comfort by absorbing and dissipating heat, and managing moisture efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The printed coating includes a cooling agent, a phase change material, and a heat dissipation material
Implementation Method 2
The printed coating includes a cooling agent
Implementation Method 3
The printed coating includes a heat dissipation material
Implementation Method 4
The system reactive components may be provided in particulate form, being suspended in a binder
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel is formed that is effective to regulate the temperature of the wearer. In an embodiment, a thermal regulation composition is obtained comprising a binder, a cooling agent, a latent heat agent, and a heat dissipation agent. The thermal regulation composition is printed to a surface of a textile by pressing the thermal regulation composition against the textile surface such that the binder adheres the cooling agent, latent heat agent, and the heat dissipation agent to the surface of the textile, thereby forming a thermal regulation membrane, and the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.