Portable Rechargeable Heating Blanket with Safety Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating blankets pose fire safety concerns, particularly for vulnerable individuals, and lack a compact, reliable, and cost-effective solution for providing consistent warmth.
Innovation Solution
A portable rechargeable Li-polymer/Lithium-ion battery cell operated heating blanket system with a weather-resistant, washable design, featuring a controller with a switching circuit, safety circuit, and temperature sensor, encapsulated heating elements, and a rechargeable battery pack, allowing for multiple heating zones and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electric blankets are used, then heating function is provided, but fire safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from traditional wall-outlet electric blankets by incorporating a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, removing the continuous connection to fixed electrical infrastructure that poses fire risks. The heating elements are also extracted from traditional wiring and reconfigured as flexible, washable integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller unit serves as an intermediary between the battery pack and heating elements, implementing safety protocols including temperature monitoring, overcharge protection, and automatic shutdown functions that prevent fire hazards while maintaining heating functionality.
2Reliability
If heating blanket components are made washable and weather resistant, then durability and safety improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements, temperature sensors, and wiring are merged into a single washable blanket assembly that can be laundered together. The controller and battery pack are integrated into a unified portable unit with sealed connections, simplifying manufacturing while achieving weather resistance and washability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blanket uses flexible, weather-resistant fabric encasements that protect internal components while maintaining washability. Sealed connectors and waterproof coatings are applied to protect electrical components without adding significant manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a portable rechargeable battery system is used, then portability and safety improve, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lithium-ion battery chemistry which provides high energy density, reducing the weight of the battery pack compared to traditional rechargeable battery types. The battery capacity is optimized to provide sufficient heating duration while minimizing weight, achieving a balance between portability and functionality.
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 system provides comfortable, sustained heat for up to 10 hours, is compact and lightweight, and includes safety features to prevent component failures, reducing the need for frequent replacements and addressing fire safety concerns.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
rechargeable battery pack including a rechargeable battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A portable rechargeable li-polymer/lithium-ion battery cell operated heating blanket system for providing comfortable heat to a human body and sustaining said comfortable heat. The device provides continuous heat for users. The present invention includes a USB port for charging devices such as cellphones. The portable rechargeable li-polymer/lithium-ion battery cell operated heating blanket system includes microplush comfort on the inside and a water resistant exterior.