Silver Nanowire Coated Heatable Fabrics for Low Power Wearables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fabric heaters face challenges such as high power consumption, restricted breathability and flexibility, limited portable applications, and insufficient temperature generation, with previous solutions like resistor type heaters, semi-conductor thin film heaters, and carbon nanotube coated fabrics failing to meet the requirements for wearable technologies and mobile use.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional coating of silver nanowires on textiles using the dip coating method, which maintains breathability and flexibility, allows heating under low voltages, and incorporates antibacterial and flame retardant properties, using silver nanowires or other metal nanowires with high conductivity, enabling efficient temperature control and low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If resistor type heaters are used in fabric, then heating function is achieved, but power consumption becomes very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the electrical resistance parameter by using metal nanowires with inherently low resistance compared to traditional resistor materials. This allows the fabric to achieve the same heating effect at much lower power consumption due to the reduced resistive losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite structures combining metal nanowires with fabric materials to create a hybrid heating element that leverages the high conductivity of metals while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of textile materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If semi-conductor thin film is used to coat fabric for heating, then heating function is achieved, but breathability of fabric is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidbreathability restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the coating into discrete metal nanowire elements rather than continuous thin film, creating gaps between nanowires that allow air and moisture to pass through while still providing heating function across the fabric surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal nanowires are distributed locally across the fabric surface at optimized densities, providing heating capability where needed while maintaining open spaces that preserve the fabric's breathability and comfort properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If semi-conductor thin film is used to coat fabric for heating, then heating function is achieved, but flexibility of textile is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses extremely thin metal nanowire coatings that conform to the fabric's flexibility rather than restricting it. The nanoscale dimensions of the wires allow them to bend and flex with the textile without cracking or losing functionality, maintaining both heating capability and textile flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Temperature

If large amounts of carbon nanotubes are used to increase thermal performance, then heating performance is improved, but cost increases and breathability is negatively affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal performanceVSAvoidamount of nanotubes

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from carbon nanotubes to metal nanowires, which have superior electrical and thermal conductivity. This allows achieving the same or better heating performance with significantly lower material quantity, reducing cost and maintaining fabric breathability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution achieves variable temperature control between 30-150°C under low voltages, with low power consumption, reversible heating, and maintains performance over multiple cycles, while providing antibacterial and flame retardant properties, suitable for diverse applications including wearable products.

Implementation Method 1

heating under low voltages, and incorporates antibacterial and flame retardant properties, using silver nanowires or other metal nanowires with high conductivity, enabling efficient temperature control and low power consumption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A three-dimensional coating of silver nanowires on textiles using the dip coating method, which maintains breathability and flexibility, allows heating under low voltages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10271385B2Metal nanowire decorated heatable fabrics

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 UNALAN HUSNU EMRAH

AI summary

The invention of the application relates to obtaining a three dimensional coating on fabrics with dip coating method of silver nanowires, which allow fabric to breathe, do not limit the flexibility or restrict the use of the fabric, and heating these coatings with an applied voltage. Moreover, this coating also enables fabrics to be antibacterial and flame retardant.