Thermoelectric thread for a heating and/or cooling device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable heating and cooling devices for athletes are bulky and inefficient, struggling to effectively regulate body temperature during exercise in varying environments, and fail to provide adequate temperature control in both hot and cold conditions.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric thread integrated with fabric, comprising individual thermoelectric elements connected by electrodes and encased in an electrically insulative covering, allowing for efficient heating and cooling by switching the function of sides based on current direction, and can be woven into clothing or used in devices like vehicle seats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If existing commercial heating and cooling applications use traditional heating or cooling elements, then temperature control function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the thermoelectric cooling/heating system into multiple discrete thermoelectric elements arranged in a grid pattern, allowing the large cooling function to be segmented into many small units that can be distributed across the wearable surface without requiring a single large bulky element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible substrate to mount the thermoelectric elements, allowing the entire assembly to be conformally attached to the body or wearable surface. This thin-film approach replaces traditional bulky heating/cooling elements with a flexible, form-fitting structure that provides temperature control without significant volume increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If thermoelectric elements are integrated into wearable devices, then temperature regulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature regulation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple thermoelectric elements, heating elements, and temperature sensors into a single integrated wearable device assembly mounted on a common flexible substrate. This merging of components into one unified structure improves temperature regulation efficiency through coordinated operation while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate discrete systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the wearable device to provide both heating and cooling functions using the same thermoelectric elements by reversing the current direction. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to perform multiple temperature control operations, improving overall efficiency while avoiding the need for separate heating and cooling systems that would increase complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If thermoelectric elements are arranged in a grid pattern on a flexible substrate, then surface area coverage is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the pitch and spacing parameters of the grid pattern to optimize both surface area coverage and manufacturability. By carefully selecting the grid parameters, the design achieves adequate coverage while maintaining manufacturing precision within achievable tolerances for the flexible substrate and component assembly processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 thermoelectric thread provides a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing, and effective temperature regulation solution that does not restrict mobility, maintaining performance and safety by efficiently dissipating or absorbing heat, while being adaptable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Dissipation pathways include convection (air-movement), conduction (cool-contact), evaporation (sweat), and radiation (electromagnetic)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10976082B2Thermoelectric thread for a heating and/or cooling device

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN

AI summary

A heating and/or cooling device having one or more thermoelectric threads. The thermoelectric thread includes a plurality of individual thermoelectric elements, each thermoelectric element having a first side and a second side. A set of first side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the first side, and a set of second side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the second side. An electrically insulative covering at least partially surrounds the plurality of individual thermoelectric elements. The electrically insulative covering is configured to be woven into or otherwise integrated with a fabric.