Portable electric warming systems and methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for providing warmth in frigid environments, such as tents and sleeping bags, are inefficient in using infrared energy, often wasting heat by warming unnecessary areas and lacking in compact, lightweight designs that can effectively maintain occupant comfort without excessive weight or bulk.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer warmth delivery system comprising an electrically resistive layer, a structural layer, and an infrared-redirecting layer, where the electrically resistive layer generates infrared energy that is redirected to focus warmth efficiently onto the occupiable space, reducing energy loss and enhancing warmth distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If existing warming systems are used in frigid environments, then warmth is provided to occupants, but infrared energy is wasted by heating unnecessary areas and the systems are bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared energy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem design simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the warming function by separating the infrared-generating layer from the bulk heating approach. The electrically resistive layer is divided into conductive and insulative regions, allowing targeted infrared energy delivery only to the occupiable space rather than heating the entire structure, thus reducing energy waste while maintaining simple overall system design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different thermal conductivities within the warming structure. The electrically conductive region is positioned to direct infrared energy specifically toward the occupiable space, while insulative regions prevent heat loss to unnecessary areas. This localized optimization improves infrared energy efficiency without complicating the system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If existing warming systems are used in frigid environments, then warmth is provided to occupants, but the systems are bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant warmth maintenanceVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential warming function from bulky traditional heating systems by using a thin electrically resistive layer that generates infrared energy directly. This layer, combined with the reflective layer, provides effective warmth maintenance without the weight and bulk of conventional heating equipment, as the active heating element is extremely thin and lightweight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by using materials and structures with specific thermal conductivity values. The electrically conductive region has high thermal conductivity for efficient infrared generation, while the insulative region has low thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss. These parameter optimizations maintain occupant warmth with minimal material mass, reducing overall system weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If existing warming systems are used in frigid environments, then warmth is provided to occupants, but heat is wasted by warming unnecessary areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant comfortVSAvoidheat loss to unnecessary areas

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts what would be harmful heat loss to unnecessary areas into a beneficial directed infrared energy flow. The reflective layer, positioned behind the electrically resistive layer, redirects infrared energy that would otherwise be wasted back toward the occupiable space. This transforms potential energy loss into useful warmth delivery, improving occupant comfort while reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This system provides effective and efficient warmth distribution with a lightweight, compact design, maintaining occupant comfort by redirecting infrared energy to focus warmth on the occupiable space, reducing energy loss and enhancing overall warmth delivery.

Implementation Method 1

one or more electrically resistive layers configured to generate infrared energy when a first electrical current is passed through the one or more electrically resistive layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an infrared-redirecting layer configured to redirect a first component of the infrared energy back through the electrically resistive layer and into an occupiable space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation redirection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11877358B2Portable electric warming systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 IGNIK OUTDOORS INC

AI summary

Portable multi-layer warmth delivery systems and methods may pertain to an electrically resistive first layer, a structural second layer, and an infrared-redirecting third layer. By passing an electrical current through the electrically resistive first layer, infrared energy is emitted, redirected, and efficiently concentrated in a vicinity.