Thermoelectric Outerwear Design for Active Heating and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outerwear technologies face challenges in providing effective temperature regulation, as insulation can lead to hyperthermia during hard exercise in cold weather and lack both heating and cooling capabilities, with battery-powered heating elements being inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Integration of thermoelectric modules, thermal spreading pads, and a mesh cover in a jacket to facilitate active thermal exchange, allowing for both heating and cooling by using electrical power to create a temperature difference across the modules, with heat sinks and airflow for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If insulation is added to retain heat in cold weather outerwear, then warmth is improved, but hyperthermia risk increases during hard exercise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat retentionVSAvoidhyperthermia risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the thermal insulation properties adjustable rather than static. The phase change material (PCM) allows the garment to dynamically respond to body temperature changes during exercise, transitioning from high insulation when cold to active cooling when overheated, thus resolving the contradiction between heat retention and hyperthermia prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameter of the garment by incorporating phase change material that alters its thermal state based on temperature. The PCM transitions between solid and liquid phases at specific temperature points, actively adjusting the insulation level to prevent both hypothermia and hyperthermia during varying exercise intensities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If battery-powered carbon fiber infrared heating elements are incorporated into jackets, then heating capability is provided, but battery charge duration is limited due to inefficient electricity-to-heat conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidbattery charge duration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the inefficient electrical heating system with a passive thermal management system using phase change material. Instead of continuously converting electricity to heat, the PCM stores and releases thermal energy through phase transitions, dramatically reducing power consumption and extending battery life while maintaining heating capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the phase change material to provide heating without continuous electrical power input. The PCM absorbs excess body heat during the day (melting phase) and releases it during cold periods (freezing phase), creating a passive thermal regulation system that extends battery charge duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Temperature

If battery-powered carbon fiber infrared heating elements are used, then heating function is achieved, but cooling capability is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating functionVSAvoidcooling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using phase change material that can both absorb and release thermal energy. The same PCM provides heating when body temperature drops and cooling when body temperature rises, making the garment adaptable to both cold and hot environmental conditions without requiring separate heating and cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides efficient temperature regulation, addressing hyperthermia issues during exercise and offering both heating and cooling capabilities, improving comfort in varying weather conditions while optimizing battery charge duration.

Implementation Method 1

The TEM provides a temperature change between the first side and the second side responsive to applied electrical operating power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

The thermal spreading pad has a surface thermally coupled and substantially conforming to at least a portion of the human torso, and exchanges heat with the first side of the TEM

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20210059325A1Outerwear Having Active Thermal Exchange

Publication Date: 2021.03.04 PURDUE RES FOUND

AI summary

An outerwear garment includes a jacket, at least one thermoelectric module, a thermal spreading pad and a mesh cover. The jacket has a flexible garment layer conforming to all or part of the human torso. The thermoelectric module (TEM) is coupled to the garment layer and has first and second sides. The TEM provides a temperature change between the first side and the second side responsive to applied electrical operating power. The thermal spreading pad has a surface thermally coupled and substantially conforming to at least a portion of the human torso, and exchanges heat with the first side of the TEM. The flexible mesh cover is coupled to the garment layer and disposed over the TEM. The jacket also supports an electrical power source that provides electrical operating power to the TEM.