U.S. patent application number 12/315622 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for body temperature control system.
Invention is credited to John Creech, Jason Drees, Ryan Koenig.
Application Number | 20090199571 12/315622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40718060 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090199571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Creech; John ; et
al. |
August 13, 2009 |
Body temperature control system
Abstract
In an embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a
heat exchanger including a thermal exchange block having a top
surface and a bottom surface. The system further includes a first
thermoelectric cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a first heat sink thermally coupled to the
first thermoelectric cooler. The system also includes a second
thermoelectric cooler abutting the bottom surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the
second thermoelectric cooler.
Inventors: |
Creech; John; (Colfax,
CA) ; Drees; Jason; (Mill Valley, CA) ;
Koenig; Ryan; (Los Alamitos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TIPS GROUP;c/o Intellevate LLC
P. O. BOX 52050
Minneapolis
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
40718060 |
Appl. No.: |
12/315622 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60992094 |
Dec 3, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.2 ; 165/46;
62/259.3; 62/426; 62/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 7/02 20130101; A61F
2007/0056 20130101; A61F 2007/0234 20130101; A61F 2007/0075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.2 ;
62/259.3; 62/426; 165/46; 62/515 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02; F25D 23/00 20060101 F25D023/00; F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F28F 7/00 20060101 F28F007/00; F25B 39/02 20060101
F25B039/02 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: A heat exchanger including a
thermoelectric cooler; A pump coupled to the heat exchanger; And A
personal garment, the personal garment including fluid tubing, the
fluid tubing coupled to the heat exchanger.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A reservoir coupled
to the heat exchanger.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A controller coupled
to the heat exchanger.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: A power supply
coupled to the controller.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein: The controller is further
coupled to the pump.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger includes: A
thermal exchange block having a top surface; A first thermoelectric
cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal exchanger block; and
A first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric
cooler.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: A first fan thermally
coupled to the first heat sink.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein: The thermal exchange block
further includes a bottom surface; And further comprising: A second
thermoelectric cooler abutting the bottom surface of the thermal
exchange block; And A second heat sink thermally coupled to the
second thermoelectric cooler.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: A second fan
thermally coupled to the second heat sink.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein: The thermal exchange block
includes an internal fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet,
the thermal fluid channel disposed adjacent to the first
thermoelectric cooler, the inlet and the outlet coupled to the pump
and the fluid tubing of the personal garment.
11. The system of claim 5, further comprising: A user interface
coupled to the controller.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein: The controller alters
operation of the heat exchanger responsive to signals from the user
interface.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein: The system is mounted in an
automobile, the power supply is a power supply of the
automobile.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein: The system is portable.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The power supply is a
rechargeable power supply.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein: The power supply receives
power from a utility power grid.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The personal garment is a
shirt.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein: The personal garment is a body
suit.
19. A system, comprising: A heat exchanger including a thermal
exchange block having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first
thermoelectric cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a first heat sink thermally coupled to the
first thermoelectric cooler, a second thermoelectric cooler
abutting the bottom surface of the thermal exchanger block and a
second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric
cooler; A pump coupled to the heat exchanger in fluid
communication; A controller coupled to the heat exchanger and the
pump; And A personal fabric component, the personal fabric
component including fluid tubing, the fluid tubing coupled to the
heat exchanger in fluid communication.
20. A system, comprising: A heat exchanger including a thermal
exchange block having a top surface, a first thermoelectric cooler
abutting the top surface of the thermal exchanger block and a first
heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric cooler; A
pump coupled to the heat exchanger; A controller coupled to the
heat exchanger; And A personal fabric component, the personal
fabric component including fluid tubing, the fluid tubing coupled
to the heat exchanger.
21-24. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/992,094, filed on Dec. 3, 2007, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related
to Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. ______, filed with the
United States Receiving Office on Dec. 3, 2008, and entitled "Body
Temperature Control System" and having attorney docket No.
N986.P001.WO01 which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Temperature control for human beings can be a very valuable
benefit. While the human body self-regulates body temperature as
much as possible, we tend to expose our bodies to situations where
self-regulation becomes difficult or impossible. In such
situations, performance of tasks becomes less efficient, judgment
can be impaired, and other adverse effects manifest. Thus, it may
be valuable to devise a system which can allow a person to avoid
the worst effects of extreme temperatures by assisting in
regulation of body temperature.
[0003] Regulation of temperature in the torso can provide much
benefit to a person experiencing temperature extremes. One example
of a situation that can cause temperature extremes is a race
(automobile race) set in an extreme temperature environment. Past
attempts to provide a system for controlling body temperature have
focused on overheating and attempts to cool a driver. FIG. 1
illustrates such a system, available from F.A.S.T. of Arlington
Heights, Ill.
[0004] In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a cool shirt system.
System 100 includes a shirt 110, cooling mechanism 120, connecting
hose 130 and shirt tubing 140. Cooling mechanism 120 operates by
using ice (solid water) to cool liquid water. Cooling mechanism 120
is connected to connecting hoses 130, which in turn are connected
to shirt tubing 140. Water is pumped through connecting hoses 130
and shirt tubing 140 from cooling mechanism 120 using a pump in
cooling mechanism 120 (not shown). The ice in cooling mechanism 120
cools the water, which then circulates to the cool shirt 110,
removing heat from a user of the shirt 110. Also shown is a control
145 which allows a user to control how much water flows through the
shirt 110, thus allowing some modulation of the cooling effect.
Other, similar systems are available from Shafer Enterprises of
Stockbridge, Ga., for example.
[0005] This system allows for basic cooling under hot conditions.
However, it suffers from some potential drawbacks. For example, a
supply of ice is required to provide cooling--if no ice is
available the system does not function. Additionally, in situations
where multiple drivers use the system, conservation of ice to allow
for cooling of later racers can frustrate teammates. Moreover, the
system allows relatively minimal temperature control, providing for
cooling which can only be varied somewhat based on flow rates.
Also, the use of ice means that the system is unlikely to be useful
for warming a person in cold situations. Thus, it may be
advantageous to provide a system which can provide more flexible
temperature control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example in
the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood as
illustrative rather than limiting.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a cool shirt system.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a body temperature
control system.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a heat exchanger usable
in a body temperature control system.
[0010] FIG. 4 (collectively FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C) illustrates an
embodiment of a thermal exchange block such as may be used in a
heat exchanger.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates installation of an embodiment of a body
temperature control system in a car.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a process of assembly of
a body temperature control system.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a process of
installation of a body temperature control system.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a fluid transport loop
of a body temperature control system.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a process of operation
of a body temperature control system.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a controller which may
be used in an embodiment of a body temperature control system
installed in vehicle.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a controller which
may be used in an embodiment of a body temperature control
system.
[0018] The drawings should be understood as illustrative rather
than limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A system, method and apparatus is provided for a body
temperature control system. In one embodiment, the body temperature
control system uses a pump to move a fluid through two heat
exchangers which either a) move heat from a user's body to the heat
exchanger, thereby causing the user to feel cooler or b) move heat
from the heat exchanger to the user's body, thereby causing the
user to feel warmer. The specific embodiments described in this
document represent example embodiments of the present invention,
and are illustrative in nature rather than restrictive.
[0020] In an embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes
a heat exchanger including a thermoelectric cooler. The system also
includes a pump coupled to the heat exchanger. The system further
includes a personal garment. The personal garment includes fluid
tubing. The fluid tubing is coupled to the heat exchanger.
[0021] The system may further include a reservoir coupled to the
heat exchanger. The system may also include a controller coupled to
the heat exchanger. The system may further include a power supply
coupled to the controller. The controller may further be coupled to
the pump.
[0022] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a thermal
exchange block having a top surface and a first thermoelectric
cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal exchanger block. The
heat exchanger further includes a first heat sink thermally coupled
to the first thermoelectric cooler. The system may further include
a first fan thermally coupled to the first heat sink. In another
embodiment, the heat exchanger may be further characterized by the
thermal exchange block further including a bottom surface and the
heat exchanger further including a second thermoelectric cooler
abutting the bottom surface of the thermal exchange block and a
second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric
cooler. Likewise, the embodiment may further include a second fan
thermally coupled to the second heat sink.
[0023] In some embodiments, the thermal exchange block includes an
internal fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet. The thermal
fluid channel is disposed adjacent to the first thermoelectric
cooler. The inlet and the outlet are coupled to the pump and the
fluid tubing of the personal garment.
[0024] In some embodiments, the system further includes a user
interface coupled to the controller. In some embodiments, the
controller alters operation of the heat exchanger responsive to
signals from the user interface. In some embodiments, the system is
mounted in an automobile and the power supply is a power supply of
the automobile. In some embodiments, the system is portable.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the power supply is a rechargeable
power supply. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the power supply
receives power from a utility power grid. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the personal garment is a shirt, whereas in other
embodiments the personal garment is a body suit.
[0025] In another embodiment, a system is provided. The system
includes a heat exchanger including a thermal exchange block having
a top surface and a bottom surface. The system further includes a
first thermoelectric cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a first heat sink thermally coupled to the
first thermoelectric cooler. The system also includes a second
thermoelectric cooler abutting the bottom surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the
second thermoelectric cooler.
[0026] The system also includes a pump coupled to the heat
exchanger in fluid communication therewith. The system further
includes a controller coupled to the heat exchanger and the pump.
The system also includes a personal fabric component including
fluid tubing. The fluid tubing of the personal fabric component is
coupled to the heat exchanger in fluid communication therewith.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, a system is provided. The system
includes a heat exchanger including a thermal exchange block having
a top surface. The heat exchanger further includes a first
thermoelectric cooler abutting the top surface of the thermal
exchanger block and a first heat sink thermally coupled to the
first thermoelectric cooler. The system further includes a pump
coupled to the heat exchanger. The system also includes a
controller coupled to the heat exchanger. The system further
includes a personal fabric component. The personal fabric component
includes fluid tubing and the fluid tubing is coupled to the heat
exchanger. In some embodiments, the personal fabric component is a
shirt. In other embodiments, the personal fabric component is a
blanket.
[0028] In still another embodiment, a method is provided. The
method includes installing a gasket on a thermal exchange block.
The thermal exchange block includes an internal fluid transport
channel having an inlet and an outlet. The method further includes
securely connecting a thermoelectric cooler to the thermal exchange
block in contact with the gasket. The method also includes
fastening a heat sink to the thermoelectric cooler in a position
opposite the thermal exchange block. The method further includes
connecting a first tube to the inlet of the fluid transport channel
and connecting the first tube to a fluid tube of a personal
garment. The method also includes connecting a second tube to the
fluid tube of the personal garment and connecting the second tube
to a pump. The method further includes connecting a third tube to
the pump and connecting the third tube to the outlet of the fluid
transport channel.
[0029] In another embodiment, a method is presented. The method
includes flowing fluid through a fluid loop including a heat
exchanger, a personal garment and a pump. The method also includes
adjusting a temperature of the fluid at the heat exchanger through
use of a thermoelectric cooler. The method further includes
receiving control signals from a user interface at a controller.
The method also includes controlling the heat exchanger through
signals from the controller responsive to the signals from the user
interface.
[0030] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid obscuring the invention.
[0031] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Features and aspects of various
embodiments may be integrated into other embodiments, and
embodiments illustrated in this document may be implemented without
all of the features or aspects illustrated or described.
[0032] Embodiments may solve many of the problems identified above
and provide a system and components that meet many, if not all, of
the identified needs. Further, the system may present all of these
components in a single unified platform, or as a set of separate
components. In an embodiment, five major components are used. These
components include a heat exchange garment, a heat exchanger, a
pump, a reservoir, and a controller. In one embodiment, the system
components are described as follows:
[0033] The heat exchange garment is an item to be worn by, or
placed very near the user which allows the system fluid to pass
near the user's skin. The heat exchange garment allows for thermal
transference between the user and the system. It can be used in
either heating or cooling modes and provides a sealed (non-vented)
portion of the fluid transportation path.
[0034] The heat exchanger warms or cools the system fluid depending
on the user's preference. The warming and cooling is done via
Peltier (thermoelectric) technology. Excess heat is dissipated to
the atmosphere through an outside face of a Peltier device and may
involve an additional heat sink. The heat sink may see increased
efficiency resulting from the use of exhaust fans drawing
atmospheric air over the heat sink. The heat exchanger is a sealed
(non-vented) portion of the fluid transport path as well. The
operation of the heat exchanger (heating or cooling of the system
fluid) is determined by the flow of current through the Peltier
device(s) attached to a thermal exchange block. By reversing the
current polarity, the Peltier device(s) switch thermal flow
direction allowing for heating or cooling.
[0035] One of the following two conditions obtains in such a
situation. Cooling mode--heat is pumped from the fluid as it passes
through the thermal exchange block, thereby cooling the system
fluid and heating the `outside` of the Peltier device(s). The
Peltier device(s) dissipate heat to the atmosphere via the
heat-sink and fan arrangement. Heating mode--heat is pumped into
the fluid as it passes through the thermal exchange block, thereby
warming the system fluid. This cools the `outside` of the Peltier
device(s) which are warmed by the atmosphere via the heat-sink and
fan arrangement, or can be warmed by an optional heater in some
embodiments.
[0036] The pump moves the system fluid through the heat exchanger,
heat exchange garment and the reservoir. The reservoir potentially
serves three functions in the system, though its use is not
necessarily required for the system to operate properly. First, the
reservoir can be used to fill or empty the system of fluid. For
example, in the case of connecting an un-filled heat exchange
garment to the system, the reservoir may provide fluid to fill the
garment. Second, the reservoir allows the venting of gas bubbles in
the system fluid to the atmosphere. Third, the reservoir is a
stabilizing element preventing immediate and drastic changes in
system fluid temperatures.
[0037] The Controller is an electrical (or electromechanical)
device which allows the user to set the desired level of relative
heating or cooling, and adjusts the various electrical outputs to
drive the other components (e.g. appropriate voltage delivery to
the pump and heat exchange block). The controller is operated via
controls located on the controller device or via a user control
panel which is mounted in any desirable position (e.g. a vehicle
dash board, user wrist, hospital bed control panel, tank turret
control panel, or other application-dependent position). The
controller receives power input from a power source (e.g. a vehicle
alternator, battery, fuel cell, solar cell, generator or other AC
or DC voltage source).
[0038] Reference to the embodiment of FIG. 2, which provides an
embodiment of a body temperature control system, may further
illustrate the system. As illustrated, system 200 of FIG. 2
includes a reservoir 220, pump 225, heat exchanger 230, and heat
exchange garment 250 arranged in a fluid loop 210. Thermometers 235
and 245 are provided to monitor temperature of the fluid at entry
and exit points of the heat exchanger 230. Each component of the
loop 210 is coupled to the next component of the loop 210 using
sealed tubing or other fluid carrying components. As illustrated,
the reservoir 220 is vented, allowing for release of gas bubbles
and similar pressure release.
[0039] Controller 260 is illustrated coupled to heat exchanger 230,
providing control signals to heat exchanger 230. Controller 260 is
also coupled to power source 270, and provides power to heat
exchanger 230, user controls 280, and potentially to pump 225
(connection not shown). Alternately, pump 225 may be coupled
directly to power source 270. User controls 280 provide a user
interface for system 200, allowing user adjustment of the
temperature effect delivered by the garment 250. Also, thermometers
235 and 245 may be coupled to controller 260 to provide data to
controller 260 and allow for feedback control of heat exchanger 230
and/or pump 225, for example. Note that the fluid used may be water
or may be a different fluid useful for transport of heat. If water
is used, saline or a disinfectant of some form may be added to
avoid organic contamination in the system.
[0040] Further reference to FIG. 3 and the illustrated embodiment
of a heat exchanger may provide additional insight into the system.
Heat exchanger 300 is shown as a symmetrical design in block
diagram form. Thermal exchange block 340 is provided as a fluid
transport block which may be heated or cooled to heat or cool the
transported fluid. Peltier thermal transducer(s) 330 (a and b) are
provided in contact with thermal exchange block 340 to either
transfer heat into or out of the thermal exchange block 340,
depending on the bias voltage of the transducer 330. Heat sink(s)
320 (a and b) are described as finned, but can take various forms,
and provide a radiating or absorbing surface attached to the
Peltier transducer(s) 330. Fan(s) 310 (a and b) are provided to
increase air flow over heat sink(s) 320, potentially increasing
heat exchange efficiency, and are coupled to or in communication
with heat sink(s) 320.
[0041] Heat exchanger 300 may be built as a single-ended system or
a double-ended system (as shown). The single-ended system may
potentially be more compact, whereas the double-ended system shown
may potentially be more efficient. The various components of heat
exchanger 300 may be controlled separately, such as controlling
electrical bias of the Peltier thermal transducers 330 with a first
signal (or set of signals) and controlling operations of fans 310
with a second signal (or set of signals).
[0042] The heat exchanger 300 may be further understood with
reference to an embodiment of a thermal exchange block as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Note that FIG. 4A illustrates a top view,
FIG. 4B illustrates a front view, and FIG. 4C illustrates a side
view. The back view (not illustrated) is a solid block much like
the side view. The bottom view (and bottom side or surface) may be
implemented as an essentially identical form to that of the top
side (with an open channel) for use in double-ended assemblies, or
in the form of a solid surface without access to the channel for
use in single-ended assemblies.
[0043] Thermal exchange block 400 includes the block 410, fluid
transport channel 440, barbs 430, recess 420, and gaskets (not
shown). Block 410 has embodied therein fluid channel 440, which
allows for transport of fluid through block 410 along a surface or
surfaces (e.g. a top surface and a bottom surface) which may be in
contact with Peltier thermal transducers, for example.
Alternatively, the fluid channel 440 may be open on one or both
surfaces, allowing direct contact between the fluid of the fluid
channel 440 and an associated Peltier device. Recesses 420 are
provided on the surfaces where contact with the transducers is
desired to allow for insertion of gaskets or O-rings, for example,
to facilitate such contact. Barbs 430 are provided at an inlet and
outlet of fluid channel 440, to allow for interface with the rest
of a fluid transport system, such as through connection to a set of
hoses, for example. Note that in some embodiments, the system may
also be fabricated with a barrier between the channel 440 and
components exterior to the block 410, either as a result of not
opening the top and/or bottom surfaces, or as a result of attaching
plates to cover the top and/or bottom surfaces.
[0044] The overall system (body temperature control system) may be
installed in a car for racing purposes, for example. Such an
installation is illustrated in FIG. 5. System 500 represents a
system including a body temperature control system and a car frame.
Other installations may also be useful, and various different
configurations may be used.
[0045] As illustrated, frame 540 may be a cage installed in a race
car, or may represent the available mounting surfaces in a car.
Shirt 510 is provided and may be worn by a driver. It is coupled to
the heat exchange module 520, which is mounted on frame 540, along
with reservoir 530. Reservoir 530 is an optional part of the
system, which is coupled in the illustration to heat exchange
module 520. Not shown is a pump, which may be integrated with heat
exchange module 520. Also shown is a controller 550. Controller 550
is mounted to frame 540. In the illustrated embodiment, controller
550 is mounted in a location convenient for a driver, and includes
a user interface integrated therein. In other embodiments, the
controller may be mounted elsewhere and coupled to a user interface
mounted conveniently for a driver. Controller 550 is coupled to
heat exchange module 520 and controls heat exchange module 520 at
least partially responsive to commands from a driver. Controller
550 may also regulate operation of heat exchange module 520 to
maintain safe operation (e.g. within preset temperature
limits).
[0046] Assembly of the body temperature control system, in one
embodiment, includes building the heat exchanger block, building
the controller (and its sub-system control panel), completing the
fluid transport path between the components and connecting the
electrical wiring for the system. In other embodiments, components
such as the heat exchanger block and controller can be provided in
prepared form.
[0047] Building the heat exchanger may be accomplished by following
the following process, for each side of the heat exchanger.
Reference to FIG. 6 may further illustrate this process. Process
600 begins with milling, cutting, drilling, and tapping a metal
block to form the fluid transport channels and inlet/outlet to form
the thermal exchange block at module 610. In some embodiments, this
block may be pre-made. Next, at module 620, install O-Rings to seal
the thermal exchange block to a Peltier device. Following that, at
module 630, install the Peltier device. Next, install Peltier
device clamping plate(s) with a heat transference compound, or
otherwise affix the Peltier device to the thermal exchange block at
module 640. Note that this assumes contact between the Peltier
devices and the fluid of the thermal exchange block. With no
contact with the fluid, gaskets and the like may not be necessary.
Thereafter, at module 650, install a heat sink and at module 660,
install a cooling fan. The process has been described with respect
to assembly of a single-ended heat exchanger, or a single side of a
double-ended heat exchanger. One may also assemble both sides of a
double-ended heat exchanger as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0048] The controller can also be assembled from typical
components. The controller may include a processor, for example, or
may be made using analog electrical components or mechanical
components, for example. To create an appropriate controller, one
establishes input voltage based on a source voltage for the
application (e.g. a 12V car battery). One then creates or
integrates a voltage regulation circuit for the heat exchanger
block output(s) including control signals for Peltier device(s) and
exhaust fan(s). One also includes or creates a comparator circuit.
The comparator circuit may accept user input via a control panel
and compare to Peltier device(s) output (e.g. warmer or cooler and
OFF setting). This may include feedback indication (LED's) for the
user. Moreover, the output signals may also come from thermometers
provided in the device, for example. One also installs connectors
for the various device and control panel leads, thereby connecting
or coupling to a user interface and to the heat exchanger (and pump
if separate).
[0049] The fluid reservoir includes a vented vessel containing
sufficient capacity of fluid to replenish the fluid transport
system in the event that an `empty` heat exchange garment is
connected and used in one embodiment. The fluid reservoir is
installed through use of input and output connections leading to
the heat exchange garment and fluid transport pump in one
embodiment. Similarly, the heat exchange garment is assembled using
a suitable article of clothing or surface which will place the
system fluid within proximity of the user's body or specific body
part to be warmed or cooled. The fluid transport system is then
connected, by connecting the various components of the fluid
transport system in a loop. One order may be:
Reservoir->Pump->Heat Exchanger->Heat Exchange
Garment->Reservoir. Assembly of the system also includes
connecting the control system. This includes using suitable wiring
and connectors to make the following connections in one embodiment:
1) Power Source->Controller, 2) Controller->Control Panel(s),
3) Controller->Exhaust Fan(s), 4) Controller->Peltier
Device(s) and 5) Controller->Pump(s). One may further understand
such a process by reference to FIG. 7.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a process for assembling
a system such as the body temperature control systems of various
embodiments. Process 700 initiates with provision of a heat
exchange component such as a heat exchange or thermal exchange
block and associated components at module 710. At module 720, the
heat exchange component is mounted or installed in the area where
it is to operate. At module 730, a controller is connected or
coupled to the heat exchange component, such as through electrical
wiring. At module 740, a fluid transport system is coupled to the
heat exchange component. This may involve connecting tubing for
such a system to the heat exchange component and to other fluid
transport components such as a personal garment with fluid tubing
and a reservoir, for example. At module 750, a user control
interface is connected or coupled to the controller, such as
through electrical wiring or radio coupling. At module 760, a power
source is coupled to the controller, such as through wiring to a
battery or alternator of a vehicle or plugging into an electrical
outlet, for example.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a completed fluid transport loop in such
embodiments. Loop 800 provides for transport of fluid between a
heat exchanger 820 and a heat exchange garment 830. Pump 810
assists transfer of the fluid. In some embodiments, the loop is
completed with pump 810, exchanger 820 and garment 830. Other
embodiments also include reservoir 840 in the loop 800.
[0052] Using the system may be understood with reference to FIG. 9.
After the body temperature control system is assembled and
installed, the user can then don the heat exchange garment and use
the control panel to feel warmer or cooler. When the user selects a
control position to make them cooler, the controller sends an
appropriate voltage and polarity to the pump(s), exhaust fan(s),
Peltier device(s), and control indicators(s) which cause the heat
exchanger to make the system fluid cooler. As the fluid passes
through the heat exchange garment(s), the wearer(s) feels cooler.
Alternatively, when the user selects a control position to make
them warmer, the controller sends an appropriate voltage and
polarity to the pump(s), exhaust fan(s), Peltier device(s), and
control indicators(s) which cause the heat exchanger to make the
system fluid warmer. As the fluid passes through the heat exchange
garment(s), the wearer(s) feel warmer.
[0053] Referring more specifically to FIG. 9, process 900 initiates
at module 910 with initiation of fluid flow. At module 920, a user
command is received. At module 930, a determination is made as to
whether to cool or heat. If to cool, cooling settings are set or
adjusted at module 940. If to heat, heating settings are adjusted
at module 950. At module 960, a determination is made as to whether
a shutdown command was received. If so, at module 970 the fluid
flow and power is shut down, and if not, the process returns to
module 920 to await a user command.
[0054] Further reference to embodiments of a controller which may
be used with various embodiments of the systems may illustrate
additional details. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a
controller which may be used in an embodiment of a body temperature
control system installed in vehicle. System 1000 provides a
controller which may be mounted in a vehicle and deliver power
based on an associated vehicle power source. Terminals 1005 provide
for reception of power from a power supply, such as a car battery
or alternator. As illustrated, a 13.8 V potential difference is
expected for an embodiment. Other embodiments may be used with
different forms of power, such as other DC power sources or AC
power sources, for example.
[0055] Switch 1010 provides a power switch coupled to a power
supply terminal 1005 in the form of a single pole, single throw
switch in one embodiment. Such a switch may simply supply or
cut-off power to the system. Switches 1015 and 1020 are coupled
between a TEC array 1030 and the power terminals 1005. TEC array
1030 represents a set of thermoelectric coolers which are described
above, such as the TEC devices 330 of FIG. 3. Switches 1015 and
1020 operate collectively to supply power to TEC array 1030 and to
bias TEC array 1030 for either cooling or heating. Thus, a user may
have access to controls coupled to switches 1010, 1015 and 1020 to
control the system (or the user may have direct access to switches
1010, 1015 and 1020).
[0056] Power is also supplied to other components. For example,
pump 1040 is coupled through controller 1000 to the power terminals
1005 to receive power. Similarly, fans 1050 are coupled through
controller 1000 to receive power from terminals 1005. Such a design
requires that the pump 1040 and fans 1050 be adapted to receive the
power available at terminals 1005. However, voltage regulators and
other components can be included as needed in some embodiments.
Note that pump 1040 may correspond to pump 225 of FIG. 2, for
example. Similarly, fans 1050 may correspond to fans 310 of FIG. 3,
for example.
[0057] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a controller which
may be used in an embodiment of a body temperature control system.
Controller 1100 includes a user interface 1110, thermal regulation
module 1120, pump control module 1130, fan or ventilation control
1140 and power interface 1150. User interface 1110 may be coupled
to an external user interface component or may be part of a user
interface presented to a user. Thermal regulation module 1120 may
be a circuit or other module which supplies power to TEC components
and/or regulates the TEC components and is coupled thereto. This
may include receipt of input from thermometers as well as output of
signals to a TEC component or a set or plurality of TEC components,
for example. This may also include regulation of the TEC components
to maintain temperatures within safety guidelines, for example.
[0058] Pump control module 1130 may supply power to and/or regulate
operation of a pump or pumps coupled thereto. Fan control module
1140 may likewise supply power and/or regulate operation of a fan
or fans coupled thereto. Power interface module 1150 may receive
power from a power source such as a battery or alternator of a car,
or other power source such as a DC or AC electrical source. Power
interface 1150 may regulate such power or simply pass it to
components such as thermal regulator 1120, pump controller 1130 and
fan controller 1140, for example.
[0059] Note that the control systems can be enhanced to include
features which may be useful in various environments. For example,
a user interface may be included with varying types of user
controls and signals (e.g. LEDs, LCD screen, etc.) Additionally,
the power interface of a controller may have a low battery
detection circuit or power fault detection circuit. Such a circuit
can be used to switch to a backup power supply or to shutdown the
system. Likewise, the controller can include detection circuitry
which can detect such conditions as low fluid levels, out of bounds
temperatures, faults in the system generally (e.g. a pump failure)
and other conditions. Moreover, temperature regulation and user
interface components can be used to allow sophisticated temperature
settings, such as a set temperature or a gradient to a set point,
for example. Likewise, the system (e.g. the controller) can detect
such conditions as power startup or ignition in a vehicle, and shut
off to allow for cranking of an engine for example.
[0060] The entire system as described can be implemented in various
different embodiments. An embodiment has been tested under a
variety of conditions. It has performed well in keeping a driver
cool in an automobile race under hot conditions. Likewise, it has
performed well in keeping a driver warm in an automobile race under
cold conditions.
[0061] One skilled in the art will appreciate that although
specific examples and embodiments of the system and methods have
been described for purposes of illustration, various modifications
can be made without deviating from the present invention. For
example, embodiments of the present invention may be applied to
many different types of applications, such as vehicles, personal
use, stationary use, temporary or permanent installations, or other
environments. Moreover, features of one embodiment may be
incorporated into other embodiments, even where those features are
not described together in a single embodiment within the present
document.
* * * * *