Methods and devices for controlling the temperature of a surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermal adjustment devices lack active safety monitoring and often cause discomfort or danger due to ingression of objects like hair, and they struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature range for users, especially in varying thermal loads.
Innovation Solution
A thermal adjustment device that includes a thermoelectric heat pump controlled by a variable input voltage, with a method to measure the temperature of an element in thermal communication with the user and adjust the voltage to maintain a safe temperature range between 10°C and 49°C, and a lanyard design with different durometer materials for impact protection and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thermal adjustment devices operate without active temperature monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but user safety deteriorates due to inability to maintain safe temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active temperature monitoring using a temperature sensor that continuously measures the temperature of the heat pump surface. The controller receives this temperature feedback and adjusts the power input to the heat pump accordingly, ensuring the surface temperature remains within the safe range (10°C to 49°C). This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically maintaining safety without requiring complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring and adjustment system operates autonomously, with the controller automatically regulating the heat pump based on sensor input. The device self-corrects temperature deviations without user intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while ensuring continuous safety compliance.
2Reliability
If traditional thermal adjustment devices use simple air intake design, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to object ingression like hair
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake is divided into multiple separate apertures rather than a single large opening. This segmentation prevents long objects like hair from entering the device while still allowing sufficient airflow for thermal management. Each aperture acts as an independent barrier, collectively providing robust protection against object ingression.
3Power
If thermal adjustment device operates at high power, then heating/cooling effectiveness is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to temperature exceeding safe range
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts its power output based on real-time temperature conditions and user feedback. The controller modulates the power input to the heat pump, transitioning between high-power and low-power states as needed to maintain effective thermal adjustment while keeping surface temperature within safe limits. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting power levels to instantaneous requirements.
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 device ensures user safety by actively monitoring and adjusting the temperature, preventing object ingression, and providing effective heating or cooling within a comfortable range, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
applying a variable input to a heat pump (e.g., a Peltier) in thermal communication with the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a method for controlling the temperature of a surface. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a variable input to a heat pump (e.g., a Peltier) in thermal communication with the surface. The variable input may vary about a voltage and may include a powered period and an unpowered period. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a temperature of an element in thermal communication with the surface, determining, based on the temperature of the element, whether a temperature of the surface is within a safe temperature range for a user in thermal communication with the surface, in response to determining the surface is not within the safe temperature range, adjusting the voltage of the variable input to the heat pump, and in response to determining the surface is within the safe temperature range, continuing operation of the variable input at the voltage.