Seatback Warming Wrap with Stowable Insulating Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for maintaining thermal comfort while seated, such as using sweaters or blankets, are inconvenient due to space occupancy, dishevelment, and difficulty in accessing or using them, especially in vehicles where mobility is limited and storage is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A wearable personal warming apparatus with a central panel attachable to a chair or seatback, featuring thermally insulating wings that can be easily grasped and wrapped around the user, along with a stowage mechanism to keep the wings behind the seatback when not in use, and a fastening mechanism to maintain them in place, ensuring easy access and minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If sweaters, blankets, or wraps are placed on or near chairs for thermal comfort, then thermal insulation is provided, but space is occupied and the items become disheveled and difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into a central panel that remains attached to the seatback and side panels that can be independently accessed and wrapped around the user. This segmentation allows the user to access only the necessary portions without moving the entire blanket, resolving the contradiction between providing thermal insulation and maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The central panel is pre-attached to the seatback in a convenient location, and the side panels are pre-positioned for easy access. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for the user to search for or retrieve the blanket, while still providing full thermal coverage when needed.
2Temperature
If sweaters, blankets, or wraps are placed on or near chairs for thermal comfort, then warmth is provided, but the items take up space and may fall to the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The central panel and side panels are merged into a single integrated wrap system that is attached to the seatback. This combination ensures that all components remain together and stable, preventing the wrap from falling to the floor while still providing complete thermal coverage when the side panels are extended.
3Volume of stationary object
If outer garments are stored in rear storage areas of vehicles to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but accessibility and ease of use are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is segmented into a centrally-located panel that remains accessible from the seating position, eliminating the need to reach into rear storage areas. The side panels extend from this central location, allowing the user to access and wrap themselves without leaving their seat or compromising vehicle storage space.
4Temperature
If the vehicle heating system is adjusted to provide desired temperature, then thermal comfort is provided, but individual thermal needs of different occupants cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
Each occupant has their own personal wrap attached to their seatback, allowing them to independently adjust their own thermal comfort without affecting other occupants or requiring adjustment of the vehicle's central heating system. This self-service approach provides individualized thermal adaptation for each user.
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
Provides effective thermal insulation without requiring the user to rise, maintains accessibility, and does not occupy valuable space when not in use, accommodating individual thermal needs and vehicle constraints.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermally insulating 'wing' attached to a side of the central panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a central panel attachable to a seatback and at least one flexible, insulating wing cooperative with the central panel that can be wrapped around a seated user for warmth. The central panel can be strapped to the seatback, or can be part of a central pocket that fits over the seatback. The central pocket can include solid net polyester and/or an elastic material such as polyester spandex. The wings can include tweed, micro-velvet, fleece, and/or imitation fur. In embodiments, when not in use, the wings can be stowed behind the seatback by hook-and-loop attachment or by insertion into a rear stowage pouch. In some automotive embodiments, the central pocket can include a top opening through which a head restraint of a front or rear seat can extend. Various automotive embodiments include a side opening through which a side-impact airbag installed in the seatback can be deployed.