Wearable Thermal Profiles to Prevent Sensory Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems and wearable devices fail to provide personalized and dynamic thermal comfort, leading to thermal discomfort despite high energy consumption, as they cannot adapt to individual preferences and adapt to spatial and temporal variations in temperature.
Innovation Solution
A device with heating and/or cooling elements and a controller that generates alternating thermal profiles with adjustable average temperature, frequency, and oscillation window to enhance thermal sensation and comfort by overcoming sensory adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional HVAC systems are used to maintain comfortable temperature ranges, then energy consumption is substantial, but thermal discomfort remains due to wide variance in personal preference and inability to provide spatial and temporal variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal control function from centralized HVAC systems to distributed wearable devices. Each wearable device independently controls thermal comfort for its wearer through localized heating and cooling elements, eliminating the need for substantial HVAC energy consumption while providing personalized thermal adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing personalized thermal control to each individual wearer rather than uniform environmental control. The wearable devices adjust thermal parameters locally at the wearer's body surface, accommodating individual preferences and spatial-temporal variations without requiring energy-intensive centralized HVAC adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive wearable insulation devices are used, then device complexity is low, but they cannot actively enhance thermal comfort or adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static passive insulation to dynamic active thermal regulation. The wearable devices continuously adjust heating and cooling element operation based on real-time temperature sensors and control algorithms, enabling adaptation to changing environmental conditions and user needs while managing device complexity through integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where temperature sensors monitor thermal conditions and feed information to controllers that adjust heating and cooling element operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables active thermal comfort enhancement while keeping device complexity manageable through automated control rather than manual adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If static temperature profiles are applied to wearable devices, then ease of operation is high, but sensory adaptation occurs reducing thermal comfort over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing alternating thermal profiles that cycle between different temperature patterns. This prevents sensory adaptation by continuously varying the thermal stimulus while maintaining overall thermal comfort, thereby preserving the reliability of thermal sensation effectiveness without complicating user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting temperature, frequency, and other thermal profile parameters over time. These automated parameter variations prevent sensory adaptation and maintain effective thermal sensation while keeping the system easy to operate through automatic control rather than manual user adjustments.
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 provides continuous and enhanced thermal experiences by stimulating thermoreceptors, reducing thermal adaptation, and promoting parasympathetic engagement, thus improving user comfort and potentially reducing HVAC energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating and/or cooling element constructed and arranged to be disposed adjacent the surface... cause the at least one heating and/or cooling element to generate a thermal profile
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for manipulating the temperature of a surface are generally provided. The present disclosure relates to a device including one or more heating and/or cooling elements, or other suitable thermal adjustment apparatus(es), placed near a surface, such as the skin of a user. The device may be configured to generate one or more (optionally alternating) thermal profiles at the surface, which may include a series of thermal pulses and/or essentially continuous or semi-continuous thermal input, which may vary over time. Such thermal profiles, when suitably applied, may provide enhanced thermal sensations for a user which, in some cases, may provide the user with a more pleasurable thermal experience than would otherwise be the case without the generation of the thermal profiles. In some embodiments, an alternating thermal profile may include an average frequency, an oscillation window, and/or an average temperature, each of which may be adjustable.