Articles with embedded sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articles of clothing fail to predict user discomfort and modulate the internal microclimate effectively, leading to issues such as cold, overheating, or sweat, and often compromise on fashion and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An article of clothing with integrated humidity and temperature sensors, a controller, and microclimate control elements that adjust the internal environment to maintain a comfort threshold, using heating, cooling, or air flow, to prevent discomfort before it is perceived by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulation is made thicker to protect from cold, then thermal protection is improved, but the article becomes heavier and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal protection approach from passive thick insulation to active thermal management by adjusting insulation properties dynamically. The article uses controllable insulation elements that can be activated or deactivated based on real-time temperature and humidity sensor data, allowing thin baseline insulation to provide adequate protection without the weight of thick permanent insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic insulation adjustment where the insulation properties of the article can be changed in real-time based on environmental conditions and user activity levels. Sensors continuously monitor temperature and humidity, and the controller adjusts insulation elements accordingly, transforming static thick insulation into adaptive dynamic insulation that provides equivalent protection with reduced weight.
2Temperature
If insulation is made thicker to protect from cold, then thermal protection is improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static insulation into dynamically adjustable insulation properties. By using controllable insulation elements that can be activated only when needed, the article maintains flexibility and comfort during normal activity while providing thermal protection when conditions require it, based on real-time sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of insulation properties to balance protection and comfort. The system monitors environmental conditions and user physiology, then adjusts insulation in real-time, allowing the article to transition between flexible/comfortable state and protected state as needed.
3Temperature
If heating elements are added to provide warmth, then thermal protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating thermal management system where sensors automatically detect temperature and humidity conditions, and the controller autonomously adjusts insulation elements without user intervention. This self-service approach provides thermal protection while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for manual controls, buttons, or complex user interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback loop where temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor conditions, and the controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust insulation elements. This closed-loop control system provides effective thermal protection while keeping the system relatively simple through automated decision-making based on sensor inputs.
4Ease of operation
If sensors and control systems are integrated to predict discomfort, then user comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sensing, processing, and control) into an integrated system where temperature and humidity sensors, microcontroller, and insulation control elements work as a unified assembly. This merging of functions improves user comfort through predictive discomfort detection while managing manufacturing complexity by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
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 system accurately predicts and mitigates thermal discomfort by adjusting the internal microclimate, enhancing user comfort in various environments and activities while reducing the need for thick insulation, making the clothing more flexible and lighter.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element may be a resistive heating element
Implementation Method 2
The at least one cool element may comprise a thermoelectric cooler, such as a Peltier device
Data Source
AI summary
An article is provided which includes a flexible body configured to cover part of a user's body, at least one humidity sensor coupled to the flexible body and configured to measure a humidity of the user's skin or an internal microclimate; at least one temperature sensor coupled to the flexible body and configured to measure a temperature of the user's skin or an internal microclimate; at least one microclimate control element coupled to the flexible body; a controller functionally coupled to the at least one humidity sensor and the at least one temperature sensor to receive measured humidity and temperature signals as an input and functionally coupled to the at least one microclimate control element, the controller being preprogrammed to maintain the internal microclimate under a discomfort threshold value; a user interface functionally coupled to the controller; a power supply; and a switch.