Thermoelectric Wearable for Spatial-Temporal Thermal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems and existing wearable devices are unable to provide the spatial and temporal variation in temperature needed to ensure thermal comfort and productivity for all occupants in a given environment.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing thermoelectric materials to generate thermal pulses at a surface, with a controller configuring the thermoelectric material to adjust temperature at specific rates, allowing for rapid and reversible temperature changes to enhance thermal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HVAC systems are used to maintain comfortable temperature ranges, then energy consumption is substantial, but thermal comfort satisfaction remains limited to about 80% of occupants due to inability to provide spatial and temporal temperature variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function from centralized HVAC systems to distributed wearable devices. Each wearable device independently controls temperature at its local position on the user's body, enabling spatial and temporal temperature variation tailored to individual occupants without requiring substantial energy consumption building-wide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing temperature control at specific locations on the user's body through wearable devices. Different regions of the body can experience different temperature adjustments simultaneously, and these adjustments can vary over time, creating localized thermal environments that adapt to personal comfort preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive wearable insulation devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but active thermal regulation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using active thermoelectric materials that can dynamically adjust their thermal properties in real-time. The wearable devices can actively heat or cool the user's body by controlling the electrical current through the thermoelectric materials, providing adaptive thermal regulation that responds to changing environmental conditions and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing thermoelectric materials whose thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics can be changed by adjusting electrical parameters. By varying the electrical current through the thermoelectric materials, the device can switch between heating and cooling modes, actively regulating temperature without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
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 effectively enhances thermal comfort by continuously stimulating thermoreceptors, reducing desensitization, and providing a perceived thermal sensation that is more pronounced than actual temperature changes, while also reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to cause the at least one thermoelectric material to generate a thermal pulse at a region of the at least one thermoelectric material adjacent the surface, the thermal pulse including a first temperature adjustment at the region of the at least one thermoelectric material adjacent the surface from a first temperature to a second temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.