Unitary Garment Heating Device with Continuous Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically heated garments are often bulky, heavy, inflexible, and prone to overheating due to connection points between conduits, leading to safety hazards and product recalls, while existing innovations fail to provide a solution for uniform heat distribution and remote control.
Innovation Solution
A unitary garment heating device featuring a series circuitry configuration with a continuous conduit and nodes without junctions, integrated with a thermostat and communication system for remote temperature control, and a power supply that includes a microprocessor for efficient heat distribution and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional electrically heated garments use multiple conduits with connection points, then heating coverage can be extended, but overheating and safety hazards occur at junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate conduit segments into a single continuous fabric-heating element. This eliminates the connection points between conduits that cause overheating, while maintaining extensive heating coverage throughout the garment. The continuous construction integrates the heating function into the fabric itself rather than using separate conduit segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic connection points between conduits from the heating system. By removing these junctions entirely and replacing them with a continuous fabric-based heating element, the design eliminates the source of overheating and safety hazards while preserving the heating coverage area.
2Power
If conventional heated garments use traditional heating elements, then heating function is achieved, but the garments become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin fabric-based heating element that is flexible and lightweight, replacing traditional rigid heating elements. The fabric construction allows the heating element to be integrated into the garment without adding bulk or significant weight, while maintaining effective heating function through the flexible fabric structure.
3Power
If conventional heated garments use rigid heating elements, then heating efficiency is maintained, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible fabric-based heating element that can bend, stretch, and conform to body movements. This flexible construction maintains heating efficiency through continuous contact with the skin while providing the adaptability and comfort needed for active wear, eliminating the rigidity of traditional heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric heating element is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, capable of bending and flexing with garment movement. This dynamic construction allows the heating element to maintain its heating function while adapting to various positions and movements, providing both efficiency and flexibility.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional heated garments use multiple separate heating elements, then heating coverage is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heating zones into a single continuous fabric-based heating element, eliminating the need for multiple separate elements and their associated connection points. This unified construction extends heating coverage across the entire garment while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.
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 solution provides uniform heat distribution, increased flexibility, and safety by eliminating overheating risks, allowing for comfortable and controlled heating throughout the garment, while enabling remote temperature regulation and extended heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit comprising a unitary conductor having no junctions is connected to the power supply, wherein the unitary conduit is configured to generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary garment heating device that integrates with a garment to provide uniform heat throughout the garment. The device includes a plurality of nodes that position on various areas of the garment to distribute the heat. The nodes are fabricated from a conductive metallic yarn. A continuous conduit having no junctions carries current for generating heat, and connects the nodes to form a unitary heating device. The conduit is fabricated from the same material as the nodes, thereby forming a unitary device. The lack of junctions on the conduit helps eliminate problems such as shorts, and moisture exposure form rain or sweat. The conduit runs in a series circuitry to minimize shorts and arcing. The conduit is covered with a laminate and urethane to inhibit contact with moisture. A communication apparatus, such as a smart phone, monitors and regulates the temperature. A power supply and microprocessor are also attached.