Vapor-Permeable Insert Using Solar Chimney for Thermoregulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothing technologies face challenges in maintaining effective thermoregulation across varying temperature ranges and irradiance conditions, with prior solutions relying on complex systems and being sensitive to thermal gradients, leading to reduced airflow efficiency and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A vapor-permeable insert for clothing and accessories featuring an air space with a solar radiation-absorbing collector element and a transparent window element, arranged oppositely to create an interspace that utilizes the 'stack effect' and 'solar chimney' principles for efficient airflow, while preventing water infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the stack effect is used for vapor expulsion in hot conditions, then the thermal gradient decreases, but the vapor flow efficiency decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter from passive stack effect (relying on thermal gradient) to active solar-driven convection. The solar collector absorbs radiant energy and converts it to thermal energy, heating the air in the interspace to a higher temperature than the ambient environment. This reverses the temperature relationship, creating an upward convective flow that is independent of ambient temperature and maintains high vapor flow efficiency even when thermal gradient is small or negative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive thermal-mechanical stack effect system with an active solar thermal system. Instead of relying on natural convection driven by small temperature differences, the system uses solar radiation absorption to create large temperature differences that drive strong convective currents. This substitution of the driving mechanism eliminates the dependency on ambient thermal gradient and maintains consistent vapor expulsion performance across varying temperature conditions.
2Productivity
If open channels are provided for vapor expulsion, then vapor flow is improved, but water infiltration from outside increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the solar collector assembly with its transparent cover and enclosed interspace - that mediates between the internal vapor expulsion need and external water protection requirement. The transparent cover allows solar radiation and vapor passage while blocking liquid water. The enclosed interspace acts as a buffer zone that facilitates vapor flow through controlled pathways while preventing direct water infiltration into the clothing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a transparent thin film or shell (the solar collector cover) that selectively permits vapor transmission while blocking liquid water penetration. This flexible barrier maintains the integrity of the system against water infiltration while allowing the vapor expulsion function to operate effectively through the solar-driven convection current in the interspace.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex thermoregulation systems are implemented, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional solar collector assembly that simultaneously performs vapor expulsion, thermal regulation, and potential energy collection functions. The same solar-absorbing structure that heats the interspace for convection-driven vapor flow can also provide thermal insulation and potentially store thermal energy. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single integrated system achieves effective thermoregulation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes free solar radiation from the environment as its energy source, requiring no external power input or active control mechanisms. The solar collector automatically absorbs radiant energy and converts it to thermal energy, which naturally drives the convective vapor flow. This self-service operation eliminates the need for complex mechanical or electronic thermoregulation systems, achieving adaptability through passive solar response.
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 enhances thermoregulation by self-regulating airflow based on solar irradiance, maintaining comfort across temperature variations with low environmental impact and without complex user adjustments, ensuring effective vapor exchange and waterproofness.
Implementation Method 1
a collector element (16) adapted to absorb solar radiation at least partially
Implementation Method 2
The internal layer and the external enclosure have, in the apex region of the item of clothing, holes for the evacuation of the humid warm air combined with means for retaining externally water, impurities or others
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A vapor-permeable insert (14, 114, 214, 314) for item of clothing or accessory, comprising a collector element (16, 116) adapted to absorb solar radiation, a window element (15, 115, 215, 315) that is transparent to the solar radiation absorbed by the collector element, and an interspace formed between the window element (15, 115, 215, 315) and the collector element (16, 116), the collector element (16, 116) and the window element (15, 115, 215, 315) being arranged at two opposite faces of the interspace.