Thermoplastic Clothing Adaptation via Segmented Heating and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adapting thermally deformable articles of clothing, such as soles, to body parts are inefficient due to lengthy heating and cooling times, leading to discomfort and potential shape instability if not cooled properly.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pressure application means and cooling means is used to quickly heat and shape the clothing, applying shaping pressure to the side facing away from the body and cooling it to stabilize the adapted shape, utilizing a thermoplastic resin and electrical heating elements for efficient deformation and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the article of clothing is heated to high temperature for shaping, then the deformation capability is improved, but the discomfort to the user and safety risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoiddiscomfort to user

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating process into two distinct phases: a first heating phase that heats only the deformation region to a high temperature for shaping, and a second heating phase that heats the entire article to a lower temperature. This segmentation allows the deformation area to reach necessary shaping temperatures while the contact areas remain at comfortable temperatures, resolving the contradiction between deformation capability and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the article of clothing is cooled quickly to stabilize shape, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling speedVSAvoidshape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different cooling strategies to different regions of the article. The deformation region is cooled quickly to stabilize its new shape, while other regions are cooled more gradually. This localized differential cooling approach enables fast overall cooling for productivity improvement while maintaining the shape precision of the critical deformation areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the entire article is heated uniformly, then the heating process is simplified, but the energy consumption and heating time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating process simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-stage heating process where the first stage heats only the deformation region to high temperature for shaping, and the second stage heats the entire article to a lower temperature. This segmented approach reduces total energy consumption compared to uniform high-temperature heating, while maintaining the necessary deformation capability in the critical region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary heating of the deformation region before the main heating of the entire article. By pre-heating only the necessary area to the required temperature, energy is conserved while ensuring the deformation region is ready for shaping before the rest of the article is brought up to temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for rapid heating and stabilization of the clothing, reducing discomfort and ensuring the shape is accurately adapted to the body part without prolonged exposure to high temperatures, enabling quick adaptation and cooling of thermally deformable articles like soles.

Implementation Method 1

an inner shoe at least in one partial region consists of a thermoplastic deformable material, to which thermoplastic deformable region of the inner shoe an electrical heating element is assigned

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the thermoplastic deformable regions of the inner shoe are heated by the electrical heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

the article of clothing is cooled at least in part by a cooling means such that it is stabilized in the shape adapted to the body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11464293B2Method and apparatus for adapting an item of clothing to a part of the body

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 LENZ GMBH

AI summary

In a method for adapting a thermally deformable item of clothing to a body part, the item is at least partially heated and brought into contact with an abutment region and the appropriate body part. The item of clothing has a side which, in the use position, is directed towards the body and a side which, in the use position, is directed away from the body. At least one pressure-exerting unit subjects that side of the item of clothing which is directed away from the body, at least in part, to a shaping pressure such that the at least partially heated item of clothing is adapted, at least in part, to the shape of the part of the body. The item of clothing is at least partially cooled by a cooling unit such that it is stabilized in the shape adapted to the part of the body.