Smart Thermal Wear With Layered Heating and Washable Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal wear is uncomfortable, difficult to wash, and not environmentally friendly, with limited adjustability of internal temperature, leading to discomfort or burns.
Innovation Solution
IoT-based smart thermal wear comprising an outer and inner fabric member, a heat insulation filler, a heating element, a power supply unit, and a controller linked with a smart device to efficiently adjust temperature, making it convenient to wash and lightweight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thick winter clothes are worn to keep body temperature warm, then warmth is maintained, but the weight increases making it difficult to wear during high activity
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal wear is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer member (100) for protection, an inner member (200) for comfort and heating element placement, and a heat insulating filler (300) for thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a heating element (500) that can actively adjust the temperature parameter of the inner member, transforming passive thermal insulation into active temperature control. This allows maintaining warmth with minimal insulation material, reducing weight compared to thick passive winter clothes.
2Temperature
If resistance heating elements are inserted into thermal wear to generate heat, then warmth is provided, but the comfort and washability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element (500) is nested within a dedicated heating element accommodation pocket (400) formed in the inner member (200). This pocket structure protects the heating element during washing and allows easy removal or replacement, improving both washability and comfort by preventing direct contact between the heating element and outer environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner member (200) acts as an intermediary between the heating element (500) and the wearer's skin, providing a fabric barrier that ensures comfort while allowing heat transfer. The opening or closing unit (130) serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows access to the heating element for maintenance while keeping it protected during normal wear and washing.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal wear is designed with fixed insulation, then manufacturing is simple, but the ability to adjust internal temperature is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal wear incorporates a controller (900) that dynamically adjusts the heating element's (500) operation based on temperature sensor feedback and user input from the adjustment switch (910). This dynamic control system allows the wear to adapt to different environmental conditions and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard electronic control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes temperature sensors that continuously monitor the internal temperature and provide feedback to the controller (900), which adjusts the heating element's power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic temperature regulation, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
4Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the fabric, then warmth is provided, but the risk of burns and discomfort increases due to lack of temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors positioned near the heating element (500) continuously monitor the local temperature and provide feedback to the controller (900). When the temperature approaches unsafe levels, the controller automatically reduces or shuts off power to the heating element, preventing burns and discomfort while maintaining effective heat provision during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element's power output is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions and user-selected settings from the adjustment switch (910). This dynamic control ensures the heating element provides sufficient warmth for comfort while never exceeding safe temperature thresholds that could cause burns.
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 IoT-based smart thermal wear effectively maintains warmth, increasing work efficiency and reducing the risk of disaster, while being easy to wash, lightweight, and efficient in temperature adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
resistance heating elements made of metal composite yarns are inserted into required parts
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulating filler (300) is provided which fills an accommodation space (310) that is a space formed in the back and front of the wearer between the outer member (100) and the inner member (200)
Data Source
AI summary
An IoT-based smart thermal wear includes thermal material that retains heat allowing wearers to work more efficiently and lower any risk of accidents, the IoT-based smart thermal wear being linked to a smart device and comprising an outer member, inner member, heat-insulating filler, heating-producing material, power unit, and a control unit so as to facilitate effective temperature control.