Thermoelectric string, panel, and covers for function and durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric heating and cooling systems for office cushions, plant soil temperature control, and battery thermal management face challenges in durability, tactile and visual appeal, and efficient airflow distribution, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a thermoelectric string into a multi-layer foam stack with optimized softness and airflow, combined with strain relief designs, patterned covers, and heat spreaders, enhances durability, airflow uniformity, and visual appeal, while allowing for efficient temperature control in office cushions, plant pots, and battery thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermoelectric string is integrated into a foam stack for heating and cooling, then temperature control functionality is improved, but durability of the string decreases due to repeated stress and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by embedding the thermoelectric string within a foam stack structure that provides mechanical protection and stress distribution. The foam layers act as a cushioning matrix that absorbs repeated stress and prevents direct bending of the string, thereby maintaining durability while enabling temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the thermoelectric string inside the foam stack, creating a nested structure where the string is protected within the foam layers. This nested configuration allows the string to maintain its functionality while being shielded from mechanical damage during repeated use.
2Temperature
If the thermoelectric string is placed close to the surface for efficient heat transfer, then thermal performance is improved, but tactile smoothness and visual appeal deteriorate due to visible and palpable wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting to embed the thermoelectric string within the foam stack, hiding the wires inside the foam structure. This allows the string to remain close to the surface for efficient heat transfer while the foam exterior maintains tactile smoothness and visual appeal by concealing the underlying wire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of flexible shells by using the foam stack as a flexible enclosing structure that contains the thermoelectric string. The foam acts as a thin film shell that smooths over the wire structure, providing a uniform tactile surface while allowing thermal energy to conduct through to the contact surface.
3Strength
If the foam stack is made softer for comfort, then tactile comfort is improved, but airflow distribution deteriorates due to reduced air permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different foam layers with varying properties - a softer top layer for tactile comfort and an underlying layer with optimized air permeability for airflow distribution. This localized differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining foam layers with different densities and air permeability characteristics. The composite structure integrates a soft, comfortable surface layer with a more porous underlying layer that facilitates airflow, thereby achieving both tactile comfort and efficient thermal performance.
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
This solution improves the comfort and energy efficiency of office cushions, enhances plant productivity by controlling soil temperature, and ensures safer and more efficient battery operation by maintaining optimal thermal conditions, while maintaining a visually appealing and tactilely smooth surface.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric string inserted into a multi-layer foam stack wherein a first layer is optimized for softness and a second layer is optimized for softness and airflow combined
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric string inserted into a multi-layer foam stack wherein a first layer is optimized for softness
Implementation Method 3
a second layer is optimized for softness and airflow combined... the pillars preferably are formed by molding, by routing, or by linear wire cutting
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.