Spacer Fabric Conductive Polymer Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer fabrics for seat cushions face challenges in achieving a balance between effective ventilation and efficient heating while maintaining a simple structure.
Innovation Solution
A spacer fabric with conductive threads made of polymer materials that are electrically conductive at ambient temperature but become current-blocking at a predetermined increased temperature, allowing for temperature-dependent control of heating output, integrated into the fabric structure to provide both ventilation and heating functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heating device is added to the spacer fabric, then heating functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is merged with the spacer fabric by integrating conductive threads directly into the fabric structure. The conductive threads are incorporated into the upper knitted layer and extend as pile threads through the spacer layer, combining the heating function with the existing fabric architecture rather than adding a separate heating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive threads serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as part of the fabric, enable heating through electrical conductivity, and contribute to moisture transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Power
If conventional heating elements are used, then heating efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the heating element from conventional metal or ceramic heating elements to polymer-based conductive threads. These polymer threads maintain adequate electrical conductivity for heating while possessing inherent flexibility and processability characteristics of textile materials, enabling standard knitting and fabric manufacturing processes to be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer conductive threads can be produced cost-effectively using existing textile manufacturing processes. While individual threads may have limited thermal conductivity compared to metal heaters, the distributed network of threads across the fabric provides sufficient heating while maintaining ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the conductive threads become current-blocking at elevated temperatures, then safety is improved, but heating control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive polymer threads provide self-regulating temperature control through their intrinsic electrical properties. When the fabric reaches a certain temperature, the polymer's electrical conductivity automatically decreases, reducing current flow and heat generation without requiring external sensors or control systems. This self-service mechanism ensures safety while maintaining adequate temperature control.
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 enables efficient heating and ventilation with a simple structure, ensuring comfortable sitting by regulating heat output based on temperature changes and maintaining mechanical strength and processability.
Implementation Method 1
the heating device is formed with conductive threads made of a polymer material which is electrically conductive at ambient temperature and is current-blocking at a predetermined increased limit temperature. The conductive threads are thus made of a polymer material which allows electrical current to be passed through at ambient temperature and which generates heat as a result of an internal resistance.
Implementation Method 2
When a predetermined increased limit temperature is reached, which can typically be between 40° C. and 70° C., an internal resistance of the polymer material changes in such a way that it is completely or at least essentially current-blocking. As a result, a further flow of current and thus a further conduction of heat is prevented.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacer fabric, particularly for a seat cushion, comprising an upper knitted layer, a lower knitted layer which is substantially parallel to the upper knitted layer, a spacer layer which is arranged between the upper and lower knitted layers and is formed by pile threads which extend substantially perpendicular to and connect the upper and lower knitted layers, wherein the pile threads are spaced apart from each other to form a free space through which air can flow, and a heating element on the upper knitted layer. According to the invention, the heating element is formed with conductive threads made of a polymer material which is electrically conductive at ambient temperature and inductively conductive at a predetermined limit temperature.