U.S. patent application number 11/329820 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for methods and apparatus for infrared reflecting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to U.S. Positioning Group, LLC. Invention is credited to Steven Shope.
Application Number | 20070161310 11/329820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38233306 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070161310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shope; Steven |
July 12, 2007 |
Methods and apparatus for infrared reflecting system
Abstract
An infrared reflecting system according to various aspects of
the present invention includes an infrared reflective material and
at least one layer. The infrared reflecting material is configured
to deflect infrared radiation. The layers inhibit heat transfer via
convection and/or conduction and/or obscure the infrared reflective
material.
Inventors: |
Shope; Steven; (Mesa,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOBLITT & GILMORE, LLC.
4800 NORTH SCOTTSDALE ROAD
SUITE 6000
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Assignee: |
U.S. Positioning Group, LLC
|
Family ID: |
38233306 |
Appl. No.: |
11/329820 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 15/258 20210101;
D03D 1/0047 20130101; B32B 2307/724 20130101; D10B 2505/10
20130101; D10B 2505/18 20130101; B32B 2262/0261 20130101; Y10T
442/30 20150401; D10B 2401/16 20130101; B32B 2307/714 20130101;
B32B 15/14 20130101; B32B 2255/02 20130101; B32B 2307/416 20130101;
B32B 5/024 20130101; B32B 2307/304 20130101; B32B 2509/00 20130101;
D10B 2101/20 20130101; B32B 2255/205 20130101; B32B 2437/00
20130101; D10B 2503/03 20130101; B32B 5/26 20130101; B32B 7/02
20130101; B32B 2262/103 20130101; F41H 3/02 20130101; D03D 15/00
20130101; B32B 15/02 20130101; D03D 15/54 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/181 |
International
Class: |
D03D 15/00 20060101
D03D015/00 |
Claims
1. An infrared reflecting system comprising: an infrared reflecting
material with high infrared reflectivity; and an inner layer and an
outer layer, wherein: the layers inhibit convection and thermal
conduction; and the infrared reflecting material is disposed
between the layers.
2. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein the
infrared reflecting material comprises a plurality of strands.
3. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 2, wherein the
infrared reflecting material comprises a woven material.
4. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 2, wherein the
strands comprise at least one of a metal, a metal coating, and a
material having a high dielectric constant.
5. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein at
least one layer further comprises an insulation and a covering.
6. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein the
infrared reflecting material further comprises a corrosion
resistant material.
7. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein the
infrared reflecting material and the layers are flexible.
8. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein the
layers and infrared reflecting material are permeable to at least
one of water and water vapor.
9. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 1, wherein the
infrared reflecting material contains at least one of symbols and
letters.
10. A method for reflecting infrared rays comprising: providing an
infrared reflecting material; and placing the infrared reflecting
material between a first layer of convection inhibiting and thermal
conduction inhibiting material and a second layer of convection
inhibiting and thermal conduction inhibiting material.
11. A method for reflecting infrared rays according to claim 10,
wherein the material substantially conforms to a surface.
12. A method for reflecting infrared rays according to claim 10,
wherein the system comprises at least a portion of at least one of
a survival blanket and a survival enclosure.
13. An infrared reflecting system according to claim 10, wherein
the layers and infrared reflecting material are permeable to at
least one of water and water vapor.
14. An infrared reflecting system comprising: a flexible infrared
reflecting fabric exhibiting high infrared reflectivity; and an
inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the layers inhibit
convection and thermal conduction; and the infrared reflecting
material is between the layers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Three primary mechanisms facilitate heat transfer:
convection, conduction, and radiation. Convection is the transfer
of heat by fluid currents. As a fluid rises in temperature, it
often expands and moves away from the heat source, taking energy
with it. The warm air is then replaced with colder air. The human
body continuously warms a thin layer of air next to the skin. If
this layer is drawn away through convection, then the body feels
cold. To combat heat loss through convection, humans wear clothes.
Clothing attempts to minimize the amount of warm air that is lost
by trapping the warm air close to the body.
[0002] Conduction is the transfer of heat through molecular
movement within a material, without any motion of the material as a
whole. Heat transfer between two materials occurs when the
materials are in direct physical contact and have different
temperatures. The rate of heat transferred is dependent upon the
surface area of contact and the conductivity of the materials.
Materials that pass heat easily are known as conductors, while
materials that do not pass heat easily are known as insulators.
Many metals have a particularly high rate of heat transfer and are
thus good conductors. Plastic, wood, and cotton do not transfer
heat easily, and thus are good insulators. To reduce the heat loss
through conduction, clothing generally is made of materials that
are good insulators.
[0003] Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic
energy. This form of energy transfer does not require the presence
of matter to occur. Heat transfer through radiation is from warmer
to cooler objects, and occurs in all directions.
[0004] Heat transfer may also occur through a mixture of these
primary mechanisms. For example, the human body may lose heat
through convection, conduction, and radiation by having skin
exposed to air and in contact with a conductive material. This
makes the prevention of heat loss a more complicated problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An infrared reflecting system according to various aspects
of the present invention includes an infrared reflective material
and at least one layer. The infrared reflecting material is
configured to reflect infrared radiation. The layers inhibit heat
transfer via convection and/or conduction and/or obscure the
infrared reflective material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0006] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the following illustrative figures.
In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar
elements and steps throughout the figures.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view an infrared reflective
material between two layers.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a view of an infrared reflective material
including woven strands.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an infrared reflecting
system including a covering.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a view of an infrared reflecting system having a
flexible infrared reflecting material and layers.
[0011] Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered
according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may
be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in
the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The present invention is described partly in terms of
functional components and various processing steps. Such functional
components may be realized by any number of components configured
to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results.
For example, the present invention may employ various elements,
infrared reflecting materials, conduction inhibitors, convection
inhibitors, covering materials, and the like, which may carry out a
variety of functions. In addition, the present invention may be
practiced in conjunction with any number of applications and
environments, and the systems described are merely exemplary
applications for the invention. Further, the present invention may
employ any number of conventional techniques for manufacturing,
assembling, and the like.
[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, an infrared reflecting system 100
according to various aspects of the present invention may be
implemented in conjunction with an infrared reflecting material 110
between two layers 112, 114. The layers 112, 114 may be configured
to face an internal environment 116 and/or an external environment
118. Generally, the infrared reflecting system 100 inhibits
transfer of infrared radiation from one environment to the other.
The layers 112, 114 inhibit heat transfer between the environments
via conduction and convection, and the infrared reflecting material
110 inhibits heat transfer via radiation. For example, the internal
environment 116 may be a human body, an animal, an object or an
open space, and the external environment 118 may be a cold or warm
climate, a sensor, or liquid. In various embodiments, the infrared
reflecting system 100 may include only one layer 112 disposed on
one side of the infrared reflecting material 110, two layers 112,
114 with the infrared reflecting material 110 disposed between the
layers 112, 114, or multiple layers 112, 114, disposed one or both
sides of the infrared reflecting material 110.
[0014] In the present embodiment, the infrared reflecting system
100 includes at least one layer 112, 114 on each side of the
infrared reflecting material 110. The layers 112, 114 on each side
of the infrared reflecting material 110 impede heat conduction and
convection from the surface of the infrared reflecting material
110. The infrared reflecting system 100 may also be rigid,
resilient, or flexible, such that the infrared reflecting system
100 may maintain a substantially constant shape or operate like a
fabric to conform to a surface.
[0015] The infrared reflecting material 110 may comprise any
suitable material that is at least partially reflective of infrared
radiation (i.e., wavelengths of about 0.70 micrometers to about
1000 micrometers). In one embodiment, the infrared reflecting
material 110 exhibits a high infrared reflectivity, for example
approximately 0.35 or more for selected bands of infrared radiation
or an average reflectivity of approximately 0.35 over the infrared
band, under the conditions for which the infrared reflecting system
100 is adapted. In alternative embodiments, the infrared reflecting
material 110 exhibits a higher reflectivity, for example
approximately 0.50, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 or more for selected bands of
infrared radiation, or an average reflectivity of approximately
0.50, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 over the infrared band. Generally, higher
reflectivity in the infrared band improves the performance of the
infrared reflecting system 100. In the present embodiment, the
infrared reflecting material 110 comprises a material that reflects
infrared radiation and exhibits low absorptivity of infrared
radiation. For example, infrared reflecting material 110 may
comprise one or more of several metals, such as copper, aluminum,
gold, silver, beryllium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, platinum,
rhodium, tungsten, related alloys, and the like, that exhibit
relatively high reflectivity of infrared radiation. Alternatively,
the infrared reflecting material 110 may comprise a material having
a high dielectric constant in the frequency range of interest, such
as plastics, nylons, and/or rayons, treated with a high infrared
reflectivity material and/or a high conductivity material. The
infrared reflecting material 110 may be impregnated or otherwise
treated with additional materials to create the infrared reflecting
material 110 having any appropriate characteristics.
[0016] The infrared reflective material 110 may be configured in
any suitable manner. In various embodiments, the infrared
reflective material 110 may comprise a rigid and/or a flexible
material. For example, the infrared reflecting material 110 may
include a foil, film, strands, or other material including an
infrared reflecting material, or foil, film, strands, or other
material with a coating of infrared reflecting material. The
infrared reflecting material 110 may be configured in any suitable
manner, such as having any suitable thickness, material,
reflectivity, flexibility, strength, and the like. The infrared
reflecting material is suitably thick enough to effectively reflect
infrared radiation.
[0017] For example, referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the
infrared reflecting material 110 may comprise multiple woven
strands 200. The strands 200 may comprise any appropriate material,
such as threads or wire, and may be solid, hollow, parsed, twisted,
or otherwise configured. In the present embodiment, the strands 200
are woven together in any suitable pattern to form a flexible
fabric, allowing the fabric to conform to a surface or shape. Where
the strands 200 have a coating, the coating may be applied before
or after weaving. In one embodiment, the infrared reflecting
material 110 includes a conductive fabric from Sauquot Industries
comprising fiber strands coated with silver, gold, or other
infrared reflective material, and woven to form a fabric. The
strands may be configured, however, in any suitable manner, such as
any suitable thickness, weave density, type of weave, material,
reflectivity, flexibility, strength, coating thickness, coating
material, coating reflectivity, and the like.
[0018] The infrared reflecting material 110 may also be adapted
according to the particular application. For example, the infrared
reflecting material 110 may be durable and resistant to corrosion,
and may comprise any suitable dimensions and thickness. Further,
the infrared reflecting material 110 may be configured and/or
shaped for any suitable purpose, such as retaining heat, shielding
from heat, shielding from sensors, or communication. For example,
the infrared reflecting material 110 may comprise a large sheet,
tarp, or other cover that may be interposed between an infrared
sensor and an item to be hidden, such as a person or equipment. In
another embodiment, the infrared reflecting material 110 may form
letters or other symbols. The letters, symbols, or the like may be
visible via an infrared sensor, but would be obscured by the layers
112, 114 that may transmit infrared radiation but opaque to visible
light. The letters and/or symbols may be used for any suitable
purpose, such as to identify a wearer or designate a particular
area or item of interest. In another embodiment, the infrared
reflecting material 110 may be configured for alternative
functions, such as to form an antenna.
[0019] The layers 112,114 may inhibit heat transfer via convection
and/or conduction, and may conceal and/or protect the infrared
reflecting material 110. The layers 112, 114 may be comprise any
suitable material, and may be configured in any suitable manner,
such as rigid structures or flexible sheets having any appropriate
dimensions or thicknesses. In one embodiment, at least one of the
layers 112, 114 may comprise a vacuum. In another embodiment,
referring to FIG. 3, the layers 112, 114 may comprise insulation
316 and covering materials 312, 314. The insulation 316 inhibits
heat transfer via conduction and/or convection. The insulation 316
may comprise any suitable material for inhibiting convection and/or
conduction, such as a conventional thermal insulator, for example,
wool, silk, cotton, leather, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and
other appropriate materials.
[0020] The covering materials 312, 314 lay over the insulation 316.
The covering materials 312, 314 may serve any suitable purpose,
such as to protect the insulation 316 and/or infrared reflecting
material 110, add comfort, provide an interface for mounting or
connecting to another system, or other suitable purpose. For
example, in one embodiment, one or both of the covering materials
312, 314 comprises a waterproof covering for repelling moisture.
The covering materials 312, 314 may also substantially block or
transmit visible light. Separate covering materials 312, 314 and
insulation 316 may be beneficial where the insulation 316 is poorly
suited for exposure. For example, in a household insulation system,
the insulation 316 may comprise fiberglass, and the covering
material 312 drywall. Another example is a down comforter, where
the insulation 316 comprises down feathers and the covering 312 is
a cotton, nylon or silk material.
[0021] The infrared reflecting system 100 may be configured and/or
adapted for any suitable application or environment. For example,
the layers 112, 114 and the infrared reflecting material 110 may be
permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid water, such as
by forming small perforations in the layers 112, 114 and the
infrared reflecting material 110. Thus, the infrared reflecting
system 100 provides a "breathable" system that allows humidity to
escape, but repels the elements, like rain and snow, while
inhibiting the heat loss. In other applications, such as for a dry
suit or a tarp, the infrared reflecting system 100 may include
substantially waterproof materials or be treated with a
waterproofing agent. Alternatively, the infrared reflecting system
100 may be permeable to water but configured to retain heat, for
example using larger holes in the layers 112, 114 and the infrared
reflecting material 110, for use in various applications such as a
wetsuit.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an infrared reflecting system where the
infrared reflecting material 110 and the layers 112, 114 are
flexible, for example to conform to a surface. The infrared
reflecting system 100 may be configured to conform to any kind of
garment, blanket, survival enclosure, tarp, or other cover or
protection. For example, the infrared reflecting system 100 may be
incorporated into cold weather garments, footwear, and headgear, as
well as environmental protective gear, such as sleeping bags, tents
and shelters, ground pads, and survival enclosures. The flexible
infrared reflecting system 100 may also be incorporated into diving
suits, including wet suits and dry suits, blankets, bedding, tarps,
medical coverings, awnings, and umbrellas. For infrared shielding
or reflection, the flexible infrared reflecting system 100 may also
be incorporated into military items as well, such as camouflage
clothing, equipment, and material, military decoy material, and
infrared ground marking targets. In alternative embodiment, the
infrared reflecting system 100 is rigid, for example for household
insulation, packaging materials, storage containers, pool covers,
and/or window blinds. Furthermore, the system may be used to shield
a person, object, or area from sensors, such as for a privacy
garment that inhibits millimeter wave radar or infrared sensors
from scanning individuals wearing the garment.
[0023] The particular implementations shown and described are
illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not
intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in
any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional materials,
configurations, coatings, and other functional aspects of the
systems may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting
lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent
exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings
between the various elements. Many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical system.
[0024] The present invention has been described above with
reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and
modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without
departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other
changes or modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the present invention, as expressed in the following
claims.
* * * * *