Phase Change Neckband for Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal and domestic articles, such as scarves, lack effective cooling and heating mechanisms to provide comfort during physical activity, especially in regulating temperature around the neck area.
Innovation Solution
A cooling and heating neckband comprising a heat transfer structure, a foam layer, and a covering structure, where the heat transfer structure, made of aluminum and bronze, uses a heat transfer medium to absorb or release heat, and the foam layer provides cushioning, integrated within a textile-based covering structure for secure wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a scarf or traditional neck covering is used, then it provides basic coverage, but it lacks effective cooling and heating mechanisms to regulate temperature during physical activity
Solution Approach 1:
The neckband integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides both cooling and heating capabilities through a phase change material that can absorb heat during melting (cooling effect) and release heat during freezing (heating effect). The neckband also provides mechanical support and comfort through its layered structure with foam cushioning and adjustable straps, making it adaptable to different weather conditions and activity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material undergoes parameter changes by transitioning between solid and liquid states at different temperatures. During physical activity, the material absorbs body heat and melts (solid to liquid transition), providing cooling. During cooler conditions, the material freezes (liquid to solid transition), releasing heat and providing warming. This dynamic parameter change allows the neckband to adapt to varying thermal requirements.
2Reliability
If a heat transfer structure is integrated into the neckband, then effective heat transfer is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat transfer structure with the neckband body by embedding the phase change material directly into the neckband layers. The heat transfer structure includes a phase change material layer sandwiched between foam layers, which are themselves integrated into the covering structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex heat transfer components while maintaining effective thermal regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The neckband employs composite materials to achieve effective heat transfer while managing complexity. The phase change material is combined with foam insulation layers and textile covering materials to create a multi-layer composite structure. This composite approach allows the neckband to leverage the thermal properties of each material (phase change for active cooling/heating, foam for insulation, textile for comfort and flexibility) in a unified, manageable structure.
3Reliability
If the heat transfer structure is made of rigid materials like aluminum and bronze, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but comfort and wearability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using rigid heat transfer materials (aluminum and bronze) only in specific locations where heat transfer is most needed, rather than throughout the entire neckband. The phase change material is contained in specific layers between foam cushioning, so the rigid materials provide thermal efficiency at the heat transfer interface while the foam and textile layers provide comfort and flexibility where they contact the skin and外部环境.
Solution Approach 2:
The neckband combines rigid heat transfer materials (aluminum and bronze components of the phase change material) with soft, flexible materials (foam layers and textile covering) to create a composite structure. This allows the rigid materials to provide efficient heat transfer where needed while the composite structure as a whole maintains comfort and wearability through the cushioning and flexibility of the foam and textile layers.
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 neckband effectively transfers heat to and from the wearer, providing comfort by cooling or warming, and preventing injury through its design, which enhances user experience during physical activity.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer structure is an apparatus that transfers heat to and from the person during physical activity
Implementation Method 2
The phase change material has a melting point between about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and about 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Data Source
AI summary
The cooling and heating neckband is adapted for use with a person. The person is further defined with a head and a neck. The cooling and heating neckband is worn by the person. The cooling and heating neckband transfers heat to and from the person to make the person more comfortable. The cooling and heating neckband comprises a heat transfer structure, a foam layer, and a covering structure. The heat transfer structure is an apparatus that transfers heat to and from the person during physical activity. The foam layer is a cushion that covers the heat transfer structure. The covering structure is a textile-based structure. The heat transfer structure and the foam layer are inserted in the covering structure. The covering structure attaches the cooling and heating neckband to the person.