Shape-Shifting Fiber Surface Material for Temperature-Adaptive Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface materials in vehicles and rooms fail to effectively regulate temperature and texture, leading to discomfort and safety issues due to extreme weather conditions, and are difficult to clean, posing hygiene and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a surface material with a perforated first layer and a second layer of fibers that can be switched between an erected and relaxed position, controlled by a mechanism and control unit to adjust temperature and texture based on actual temperature thresholds, enhancing air circulation and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the surface material uses a fixed texture structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different temperature conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing fibers that can dynamically change their orientation between erected and relaxed positions based on temperature conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the surface material to adjust its thermal properties in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving temperature adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the fibers (erected vs. relaxed position) in response to temperature variations. This parameter change enables the material to adapt its thermal characteristics without fundamentally altering its structural composition, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the surface material has smooth texture, then the cleaning is easy, but the comfort and warmth are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by enabling the fiber position to change between relaxed (providing warmth and comfort) and erected (facilitating cleaning) states. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between cleaning ease and thermal comfort by allowing the material to adopt the appropriate texture based on operational 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 system provides personalized temperature and texture control, improving comfort and safety by regulating heat dissipation and trapping, while also facilitating easy cleaning and reducing battery drain and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The relaxed position of the fibers provides decreased surface area for heat dissipation. More air is trapped within the surface material and air insulation increases. This process locks the heat and keeps the body warm.
Implementation Method 2
In the erected position, an increased surface area allows free flow of air, i.e. increased air circulation. This process brings down the internal surface temperature.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, comprising a surface material comprising (i) a first layer having perforations and (ii) a second layer carrying fibers, wherein the fibers are arranged such that they penetrate the first layer having perforations via the perforations, a mechanism for switching the fibers between an erected position and a relaxed position, a control unit for comparing an actual temperature TA at at least one position of the surface material with a temperature threshold TT and for controlling the mechanism for switching the fibers between an erected position and a relaxed position based on the result of the comparison.