U.S. patent application number 15/215729 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for synergistic pairing convective and conductive cooling system and process.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michelle Mariani, Eric D. Stanley. Invention is credited to Michelle Mariani, Eric D. Stanley.
Application Number | 20160327347 15/215729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57221878 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160327347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanley; Eric D. ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
SYNERGISTIC PAIRING CONVECTIVE AND CONDUCTIVE COOLING SYSTEM AND
PROCESS
Abstract
This disclosure describes a synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system and process that can include a
convective thermal regulating device and a conductive thermal
regulating device. The convective thermal regulating device can be
configured to induce an artificial temperature change in the
conductive thermal regulating device. For example, the convective
thermal regulating device can heat or cool the ambient environment
to elevate or reduce the temperature of the conductive thermal
regulating device to a selected temperature range. The conductive
thermal regulating device can initiate rapid heat transfer from a
user into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and
maintain optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in
the conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a
microclimate and/or microenvironment. Operation of the convective
thermal regulating device can be controlled based on maintaining
the selected temperature range, allowing for decreased utilization
of the convective thermal regulating device.
Inventors: |
Stanley; Eric D.; (Yarmouth,
ME) ; Mariani; Michelle; (Grand Island, NE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stanley; Eric D.
Mariani; Michelle |
Yarmouth
Grand Island |
ME
NE |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57221878 |
Appl. No.: |
15/215729 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/2803 20130101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; Y02E 60/145 20130101; F28D 20/02 20130101;
F24F 11/46 20180101; Y02E 60/147 20130101; A47G 9/1036 20130101;
F24F 11/62 20180101; G05D 23/1919 20130101; F28F 27/00 20130101;
Y02E 60/14 20130101; F24F 5/0021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/00 20060101
F28F003/00; F28F 27/00 20060101 F28F027/00 |
Claims
1. A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system for regulating a microclimate within a
microenvironment, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive
thermal regulating system comprising: a conductive thermal
regulating device; and a convective thermal regulating device
configured induce a temperature change in the conductive thermal
regulating device.
2. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 1, wherein the conductive thermal
regulating device includes a phase change material configured to
increase the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating
device.
3. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 1, further comprising one or more
indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device, the
one or more indicators configured to indicate the temperature of
the conductive thermal regulating device.
4. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 3, wherein the one or more indicators
comprise a smart pigment, a temperature indicator strip, or a
thermochromatic film.
5. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 1, wherein the conductive thermal
regulating device is configured to be in communication with the
convective thermal regulating device.
6. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 1, further comprising a programmable
thermostat, the programmable thermostat including: a set point; a
transceiver configured to be in communication with at least one of
the convective thermal regulating device or the conductive thermal
regulating device; a temperature sensor configured to identify
temperature information associated with conductive thermal
regulating device; and a temperature regulator configured to
increase or decrease the thermostat setpoint based on the
temperature information associated with the conductive thermal
regulating device.
7. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device
in communication with at least one of the convective thermal
regulating device or the conductive thermal regulating device, the
computing device including: a memory configured to store one or
more modules; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor
being configured to execute the one or more modules to cause the
processor to receive data associated with temperature of the
conductive thermal regulating device.
8. A process comprising: operating a convective thermal regulating
device to induce a change in temperature in a conductive thermal
regulating device; detecting the temperature of the conductive
thermal regulating device; initiating rapid heat transfer into the
conductive thermal regulating device to achieve a selected
temperature range in a microclimate; and controlling the operation
of the convective thermal regulating device based on maintaining
the selected temperature range.
9. The process of claim 8, wherein the conductive thermal
regulating device includes a phase change material configured to
increase the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating
device.
10. The process of claim 8, wherein the temperature of the
conductive thermal regulating device is indicated by one or more
indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device.
11. The process of claim 10, wherein the convective thermal
regulating device is controlled by communicating at least one of
temperature information or an instruction to the convective thermal
regulating device based on temperature information obtained from
the one or more indicators.
12. The process of claim 11, wherein the at least one of
temperature information or an instruction to the convective thermal
regulating device is communicated to a programmable thermostat.
13. The process of claim 11, wherein the communicating of the at
least one of temperature information or an instruction to the
convective thermal regulating device further includes using a
computing device.
14. A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system comprising: a conductive thermal regulating
device including a phase change material configured to increase the
heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating device; and a
convective thermal regulating device configured induce a
temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device.
15. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 14, wherein the induced temperature
change in the conductive thermal regulating device is approximately
in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
16. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 14, further comprising one or more
indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device, the
one or more indicators configured to indicate the temperature of
the conductive thermal regulating device.
17. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 16, wherein the one or more indicators
comprise a smart pigment, a temperature indicator strip, or a
thermochromatic film.
18. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 14, further comprising a programmable
thermostat, the programmable thermostat including: a set point; a
transceiver configured to be in communication with at least one of
the convective thermal regulating device or the one or more
indicators; a temperature sensor configured to identify the
temperature information from the one or more indicators on the
conductive thermal regulating device; and a temperature regulator
that can increase or decrease the thermostat setpoint based on the
temperature information obtained from the one or more
indicators.
19. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 14, further comprising a computing
device in communication with at least one of the convective thermal
regulating device or the one or more indicators, the computing
device including: a memory configured to store one or more modules;
and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being
configured to execute the one or more modules to cause the
processor to receive data associated with temperature of the
conductive thermal regulating device from the one or more
indicators.
20. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system of claim 19, wherein the computing device is
configured to receive input from the subject.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Convective thermal regulation is the process of utilizing
air and/or liquid flow to heat or cool a space (e.g. air
conditioning, radiators, furnaces, etc.). Air conditioning is the
process of altering the properties of air to more comfortable
conditions, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned
air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to improve
thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In common use, an air
conditioner is a device that lowers the air temperature. The
cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but
sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used. Air conditioners
have many limitations, including the cost of electricity to run
them; the use of refrigerants to operate them, causing destruction
of the ozone layer; and more recently it was discovered that the
"heat dump", or the heat removed from the interior and pushed to
the outdoors, is becoming problematic.
SUMMARY
[0002] A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system and process are disclosed. The process includes
both powered convective, and non-powered, conductive thermal
regulating devices. The synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system includes a convective thermal
regulating device and a conductive thermal regulating device, with
the convective thermal regulating device configured to induce an
artificial temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating
device. For example, the convective thermal regulating device can
heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the
temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device to a
selected temperature range. The conductive thermal regulating
device can initiate rapid heat transfer from a user into the
conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and maintain
optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in the
conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a
microclimate and/or a microenvironment. Operation of the convective
thermal regulating device can be controlled based on maintaining
the selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating
device, allowing for decreased utilization of the convective
thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the convective
thermal regulating device can be manually controlled by a user in
response to the temperature and effect of the conductive thermal
regulating device. For example, the user can manually control the
convective thermal regulating device in response to the enhanced
artificial thermal regulating effect achieved by direct contact
with the conductive thermal regulating device. In other
implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive
thermal regulating system can further include one or more
indicators that can indicate the temperature of the conductive
thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the synergistic
pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system can
include one or more electronic devices that can automate aspects of
the system and process.
[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for
cooling the temperature of an area and an individual user in a dual
cooling and synergistic manner in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a synergistic pairing conductive and
convective thermal regulating system in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure
[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a synergistic pairing
conductive and convective thermal regulating system including one
or more indicators in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a synergistic pairing
conductive and convective thermal regulating system including one
or more indicators configured to be in communication with a
convective thermal regulating device in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams of a synergistic pairing
conductive and convective thermal regulating system including a
programmable thermostat in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams of an environment in
example implementations that are operable to facilitate the
synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating
system, further including a computing device, in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an environment in an example
implementation that is operable to facilitate the cooling of an
area and an individual user with a synergistic pairing conductive
and convective thermal regulating system in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating example instructions for
controlling an air conditioner to achieve a selected temperature
range in a conductive thermal regulating device; and henceforth to
produce a synergistic relationship.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating examples of air conditioner
sizes and the corresponding room sizes they could be capable of
cooling.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process
for regulating the temperature of an area and an individual user in
a dual cooling and synergistic manner in accordance with the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0014] Convective thermal regulating devices (e.g. air
conditioners, furnaces, etc.) are commonly used in modern nations
worldwide to alter air temperatures in rooms, buildings, and
vehicles. For example, two-thirds of all homes in the United States
have air conditioners.
[0015] Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties
of air to more comfortable conditions, via the removal of heat from
the interior of the home or building, and "dumping" this heat to
the exterior, typically with the aim of distributing the
conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a
vehicle to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In
common use, an air conditioner lowers the air temperature by
removing heat from said area, and dumping this removed heat to the
exterior of the building or vehicle. The cooling is typically
achieved through a refrigeration cycle which employs refrigerants
known as CFCs or HCFCs, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling
is used.
[0016] The heat dumping property of air conditioners has become
increasingly problematic. A team of researchers from Arizona State
University has found that releasing excess heat from air
conditioners running during the night resulted in higher outside
temperatures, worsening the urban heat island effect; and
increasing cooling demands. The research team studied the
anthropogenic contribution of air conditioning systems on air
temperature, and examined the electricity consumption for the
rapidly expanding Phoenix metropolitan area, one of the largest
metropolitan areas in the U.S. Phoenix is located within the
semiarid Sonoran desert and, because of its harsh summertime
conditions, makes considerable use of air conditioning systems. For
this investigation, researchers used a physics based modeling
system to evaluate the impact of heat emission from air
conditioning systems on air temperature. This physically based
dynamic approach has the advantage of taking into account both
urban scenarios, such as the size and shapes of buildings, and
climatic factors, such as temperature and wind speed, when the
energy consumption is calculated. This approach accounts for the
inherent feedbacks associated with air conditioning systems. For
example, hot summer nights will lead to increased air conditioning
demand, which in turn will output additional waste heat into the
environment, leading to further increase in AC demand, resulting in
a positive feedback loop.
[0017] The research team simulated a 10-day period, covering ten
extreme heat days from Jul. 10 to 19 of 2009. They used the
non-hydrostatic version of the Weather Research and Forecasting
(WRF) model coupled to the Noah land surface model to analyze the
contribution of AC systems on air temperature. To evaluate the
ability of WRF to reproduce the near-surface climatology, eleven
weather stations maintained by the National Weather Service and the
Arizona Meteorological Network were used.
[0018] As a result of the study, the research team found that
"waste heat from air conditioning systems was maximum during the
day but the mean effect was negligible near the surface. However,
during the night, heat emitted from air conditioning systems
increased the mean air temperature by more than 1 degree Celsius
(almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit) for some urban locations."
Additionally, the study indicated that to keep people cool, air
conditioning systems can consume more than 50 percent of total
electricity during extreme heat and put a strain on electrical
grids. Cooling demands for rapidly expanding urban areas like
Phoenix are likely to increase considerably during the next several
decades. To address future energy needs in a sustainable manner,
the researchers determined it was essential to study current air
conditioning demand and assess air conditioning waste heat.
[0019] Globally, air conditioning consumes a significant amount of
electricity. Air conditioners use approximately 5 percent of all
electricity produced in the United States. The United States has
consumed more energy each year for air conditioning than the rest
of the world combined. Between 1993 and 2005, with summers growing
hotter and homes larger, energy consumed by residential air
conditioning in the U.S. doubled, and it leaped another 20 percent
by 2010. The climate impact of air conditioning of our buildings
and vehicles is now that of almost half a billion metric tons of
carbon dioxide per year. China is already sprinting forward and is
expected to surpass the United States as the world's biggest user
of electricity for air conditioning by 2020. The number of U.S.
homes equipped with air conditioning rose from 64 to 100 million
between 1993 and 2009, whereas 50 million air-conditioning units
were sold in China in 2010 alone. That number grew to 64 million in
2013.
[0020] As a result of significant energy consumption, the power
grids of both developed and less developed countries struggle to
keep up with the electricity demand during times of warm weather.
For example, India has seen electricity shortfalls of up to 17
gigawatts during summer months, with residential electricity shut
off for up to 16 hours per day in some areas. China has seen
shortages of 30 to 40 gigawatts, resulting in energy rationing and
factory closings. New York City and Los Angeles both have strained
their respective power grids in the last few summers. Brownouts and
blackouts are becoming more common as the masses purchase air
conditioners and run them accordingly, on top of other basic power
needs.
[0021] Additionally, the use of air conditioning has a detrimental
environmental impact. The use of air conditioning in buildings and
vehicles in the United States produces nearly half a billion metric
tons of carbon dioxide per year. The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
traditionally used as refrigerants in air conditioners have largely
been phased out of use due to contribution to ozone depletion in
the upper atmosphere. CFCs are also a greenhouse gas with a higher
potential to enhance the greenhouse effect and invoke climate
change than carbon dioxide. The ozone-damaging effects of CFCs are
regulated primarily though a 1987 treaty called the Montreal
Protocol, created to protect the ozone layer. It has reduced damage
to that vital shield, which blocks cancer-causing ultraviolet rays,
by mandating the use of progressively more benign gases. As a
result, the oldest CFC coolants, which are highly damaging to the
ozone layer, have been largely eliminated from use.
[0022] Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have largely replaced the use of
CFCs, particularly in industrialized nations. However, HFCs are
pollutants in their own right, and have environmental impacts that
the Montreal Protocol largely ignores. While HFCs are less stable
in the lower atmosphere and break down before reaching the ozone
layer, they do break down in the stratosphere and produce chlorine
buildup. HFCs are also greenhouse gases, and are 3,830 times more
potent than carbon dioxide. Thus, pound for pound, they contribute
to global warming thousands of times more than does carbon dioxide,
the standard greenhouse gas. The soaring use and high global
warming potential will likely undercut the benefit of any reduction
in carbon dioxide emission. It is projected that refrigerants that
accumulate in the atmosphere between now and 2050 (increasingly
HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning) will add another 14
to 27% to the increased warming caused by human-generated carbon
dioxide emissions. The leading scientists in the field have
recently calculated that if all the equipment entering the world
market uses the newest gases currently employed in
air-conditioners, up to 27 percent of all global warming will be
attributable to those gases by 2050. Research on many other
promising refrigerants has been abandoned due to flammability,
toxicity, ozone depletion, or other problems.
[0023] Ultimately, the therapy to cure one global environmental
disaster is now seeding another. Stephen O. Andersen, the
co-chairman of the Montreal Protocol's technical and economic
advisory panel explains the severity of the problem, stating,
"There is precious little time to do something, to act."
Ultimately, there needs to be a powerless, gasless, non-heat
dumping, nondestructive yet beneficial aspect applied to
residential air conditioning systems.
[0024] The December 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate
Change has recently concluded, in Paris, France. The conference
negotiated the Paris Agreement, a global agreement between 196
parties (countries) on the minimization of climate change.
Specifically, the plan is to limit greenhouse gas emissions to
zero, between 2030-2050. This is to ensure that a net global
temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius or less is seen. There
remains a need for a global, mass solution that can have an
immediate positive impact on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
[0025] Various cooling methods such as roof vent turbines,
radiative cooling (e.g. water walls, roof ponds, etc.), and
evaporative cooling methods (e.g. rooftop sprinklers, commercial
evaporative cooling towers, etc.), have been used in conjunction
with air conditioners to streamline the efficiency of convective
cooling and reduce the amount of electricity utilized. However,
these methods require significant building improvements and costs,
making them unfeasible for the typical consumer.
[0026] Powerless conductive cooling devices (e.g. fluid-filled
pillow insets, fluid-filled mattress pads, etc.) can be used.
Conductive cooling devices cool a living being by rapidly
transferring heat from the living being or the surrounding
environment into the conductive cooling device. Conductive cooling
devices can cool a living being up to 24 times more quickly than
convective cooling devices, due to the fact that liquid fluids such
as H2O or polymer gels have up to 24.times. the rate of heat
transfer of air. Many liquids also have many times the heat
capacity of air. However, the cooling potential of these devices
may be limited to those areas of a living being physically touching
the device itself. Additionally, the limited overall heat capacity
of the conductive cooling device, due to its limited size, may not
be sufficient at elevated ambient temperatures. For example, it has
been found that at higher ambient temperatures, the rate of thermal
transfer from the living being to conductive cooling device is
slowed, and there is less overall heat capacity available in the
device.
[0027] The present application details an innovative and
progressive system and processes that can provide a direct and
instant way to help with this overall global emissions reduction
plan, by employing a synergistic pairing model of thermal
regulation for living beings, human or animal, using a dual pairing
of a convective, powered device (e.g., fan, air conditioner,
heater, etc.) with a powerless conductive device, (e.g., a liquid
and foam based pad that the user lies on directly). In some common
implementations, synergistic pairing thermal regulating systems and
processes are utilized to cool a user. Example benefits of
utilizing the synergistic pairing systems and processes described
herein for the purpose of cooling a user include, that, because the
user is being cooled by two methods at once, the human being can
turn down and use less air conditioning, therefore less power, emit
less greenhouse gas from his or her own respective cooling unit,
and lower the "heat dump" to the exterior that air conditioning
normally contributes to the immediate surrounding environment.
Global air conditioner manufacturers/marketers, for example, could
use the synergistic pairing thermal regulating systems and
processes described herein to enable customers to be more instantly
and effectively cooled while saving money, reducing emissions, and
reducing "heat dump".
[0028] To fully appreciate the potential benefits of the
synergistic pairing systems and processes of thermal regulation
described herein, it is helpful to consider the separate
limitations of the convective and the conductive devices and then
consider the benefits of utilizing the synergistic pairing model in
the example implementation of cooling a user:
[0029] With Convective Device Only Present in Immediate
Environment: [0030] There is only one means of cooling, which is
the slow transfer of heat from living being to immediate
surrounding environment via poor conductive properties of air.
[0031] A single device has to run for an extended time and use
expensive energy resources to get immediate environment to a
measurable lowering of room temperature in order to increase rate
of thermal transfer from living being to surrounding air. [0032]
Heat removed from interior is pumped to the immediate external
surroundings (the aforementioned "heat dump"). [0033] This method
of cooling is not effective in the immediate area where a human's
face/head contacts the foam or fabric pillow surface (an area where
thermoregulation is very important due to blood flow from this
contacted area to heart, to brain, and back again) due to heat
buildup resulting from the nonconductive properties of polyurethane
foam and cloth fabrics.
[0034] With Conductive Device Only Present in Immediate
Environment: [0035] There is only one means of cooling, which is
rapid transfer of heat from living being to fluid-filled conductive
cooling pad. [0036] The surface area of conduction is limited to
those areas physically touching pad itself. [0037] The limited
overall heat capacity of pad may not be sufficient at elevated
ambient temperatures. For example, the higher the ambient
temperature, the slower the rate of thermal transfer from the
living being to the cooling conductive pad and the less overall
heat capacity available in the pad itself.
[0038] With Both Convective and Conductive Elements Present in the
Immediate Environment: [0039] More rapid cooling, as heat transfer
is accomplished more quickly from the living being to the
conductive device due to the combined effect of the superior rate
of thermal transfer of water over air and the increased heat
gradient from the artificial chilling of the pad (i.e., both
devices contribute directly to end result). [0040] More efficient
cooling, as airflow from convective device is used not just to
lower the ambient air temperature, but to induce an artificial
chill into the conductive device, decreasing the temperature of the
conductive device below the standing ambient temperature at which
the conductive device started. This increases the cooling
efficiency of overall system by creating more thermal capacity for
the system with the same expenditure of resources. A situational
environment is created here, that leads to opportunity for
reduction in powered convective device use; and ultimately saving
energy, money, reducing heat dump, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. [0041] More effective cooling, as chilling the
conductive device leads to two (2) powerful cooling components that
can simultaneously and rapidly cool a living being.
[0042] Synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating systems and processes are described herein. In
embodiments, a synergistic pairing convective and conductive
thermal regulating system includes a convective thermal regulating
device and a conductive thermal regulating device, with the
convective thermal regulating device configured to induce an
artificial temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating
device (e.g., lowering its temperature to a selected temperature
range). For example, the convective thermal regulating device can
heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the
temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device to a
selected temperature range. In some implementations, the convective
thermal regulating device can induce an artificial temperature
reduction in the conductive thermal regulating device, giving the
conductive devices' exaggerated heat capacity, providing an
enhanced cooling effect to a user in direct contact with the
conductive device. For example, the conductive thermal regulating
device can initiate rapid heat transfer from the user into the
conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and maintain
optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in the
conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a
microclimate (e.g., the interface between the user and the
conductive thermal regulating device) and/or a microenvironment
(e.g., the room in which convective thermal regulating device is
utilized). Operation of the convective thermal regulating device
can be controlled based on maintaining the selected temperature
range in the conductive thermal regulating device, allowing for
decreased utilization of the convective thermal regulating device.
In some implementations, the convective thermal regulating device
can be manually controlled by a user in response to the temperature
and realized effect of the conductive thermal regulating device.
For example, the user can manually control the convective thermal
regulating device in response to the enhanced artificial thermal
regulating effect achieved by direct contact with the conductive
thermal regulating device. In other implementations, the
synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating
system can further include one or more indicators that can indicate
the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device. In
some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system can include one or more
electronic devices that can automate aspects of the system and
process.
Example Implementations
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an example process 100 that employs a
synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating
system to cool a room and the individual user, such as the
synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating
system shown in FIGS. 2 through 5. The conductive thermal
regulating device starts with a heat capacity and thermal
conductance superior to the surrounding air (Block 102). The
convective thermal regulating device is powered on (e.g., manually
by a user, by a programmable thermostat, by a computing device,
etc.; Block 104). The convective thermal regulating device induces
an artificial temperature change (e.g., chill) in the conductive
thermal regulating device by lowering the ambient room temperature
and increasing the heat capacity of the conductive thermal
regulating device (Block 106). Each of the conductive thermal
regulating device and the convective thermal regulating device
provide approximately half of the cooling capacity of the
synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating
system (Block 108). The user is cooled by the synergistic pairing
conductive and convective thermal regulating system more quickly
and efficiently than by either device alone (Block 110). The user
can then reduce the use of the convective thermal regulating device
(e.g., increase the setpoint of the thermostat, turn off the
convective device, etc.; Block 112). Synergistic pairing convective
and conductive thermal regulating systems and processes are further
described herein.
[0044] FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate a synergistic pairing
convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 in
accordance with an example implementation of the present
disclosure. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive
thermal regulating system 200 includes a conductive thermal
regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some
embodiments, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be a
liquid saturated, foam filled flexible device. The liquid
saturated, foam filled flexible device can have a flexible, liquid
impervious outer membrane encapsulating a foam filler of
substantially the same dimensions, wherein the foam filler is
saturated with a liquid such that the liquid has at least partial
mobility through the foam filler, allowing the foam and the liquid
to cooperate within the confines of the outer membrane to provide
the device with flexibility and structural stability. The container
can cool or heat a person by allowing conductive heat exchange
between a person's body and the liquid in the container. The
conducted heat is passively dissipated by the device to the
surrounding environment. The container can also be artificially
heated or cooled (e.g., filled with a liquid of a desired
temperature, refrigerated, etc.). The liquid saturated, foam filled
flexible device is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,948,
which is herein incorporated in its entirety.
[0045] In some embodiments, a conductive thermal regulating device
202 including a phase change material (PCM) can be utilized to
enhance thermal heat capacity. Phase change materials are compounds
with very high heat capacity at lower density and weight than
liquid water. Adding PCMs to the conductive device would give it
further enhanced thermal heat capacity. A variety of materials can
be used as PCMs including, but not limited to: organic materials
such as oils, waxes, fatty acids, and polyglycols; salt hydrates;
customized variations of these compounds; and so forth. The PCM can
be incorporated in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 in
any manner so long as it is able to undergo phase change (i.e. from
solid to liquid, upon absorption of heat from the circulating
liquid and then returned to its former solid phase by dissipation
of heat). A PCM may be housed or contained within the saturated
foam core; or be in contact with the exterior thereof, such as
between the surface of the foam core and the interior of the
flexible, outer membrane. The PCM can also be encapsulated within
liquid impenetrable, heat conductive vessels, containers, or
structures which are distributed throughout the foam.
[0046] The PCM-containing conductive thermal regulating device 202
regulates the temperature of a user by providing enhanced heat
exchange between a person's body and the liquid in the container.
For example, when the user brings at least a portion of her body
into contact with the membrane of a PCM-containing, liquid
saturated, foam filled flexible device, the liquid in the device in
contact therewith absorbs heat which, by way of conduction and
convection (and physical motion, depending upon use) through the
foam filler, transfers the heat to the PCM, keeping the liquid from
heating too much or too quickly (i.e., maintaining the bulk of its'
inherent heat capacity). Heat transfer to the PCM can cause the PCM
to undergo endothermic phase change from solid to liquid. Once the
PCM-containing, liquid saturated foam device is no longer in
contact with the heat load, the process reverses itself
exothermically, resulting in a PCM phase change from liquid back to
solid; and concurrently a passive radiation of heat from the
conductive pad back to the surrounding air.
[0047] It is to be understood that liquid saturated, foam filled
flexible devices and/or PCM-containing devices are offered by way
of example only and are not meant to be restrictive of the present
disclosure. In other embodiments, conductive thermal regulating
devices 202 having other configurations (e.g., gel pads, corn
filled pads, etc.) can be utilized.
[0048] The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system 200 can also include a convective thermal
regulating device (e.g. air conditioning device, furnace, radiator,
etc.) 204. The convective thermal regulating device 204 can induce
a temperature change in an ambient environment, thereby inducing a
temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device 202
(e.g., lowering its temperature to a selected temperature range;
increasing its temperature to a selected temperature range, etc.).
For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can heat
or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the
temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 to a
selected temperature range. In example implementations where the
system 200 is being utilized to cool a user, the convective thermal
regulating device 204 can artificially manipulate, and lower the
temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202, giving
it greater heat capacity than that which it had at starting room
temperature. In some implementations, for example, the temperature
change induced in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can
be approximately in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This
allows a user 206 to maintain a microclimate (i.e., interface
between the user 206 and the conductive thermal regulating device
202) in a microenvironment (e.g., room in which the convective
thermal regulating device 204 is utilized) that the user 206 is or
will be utilizing, as opposed to heating or cooling an entire room.
Additionally, when the user 206 is in direct contact with the
conductive thermal regulating device 202, conductive heat transfer
(e.g. body heat, etc.) into the conductive thermal regulating
device 202 increases the temperature regulating effect and the
instant comfort of the user, due to the fact that water conducts
heat 24X faster than air. The conductive thermal regulating device
202 can also maintain the microclimate by passively radiating heat
accumulated in the device 202 (e.g. body heat, heat from the air,
etc.) away from the microclimate and back into the surrounding air
of the microenvironment. By creating and maintaining a microclimate
in the area immediately occupied by the user, the conductive
thermal regulating device 202 thus reduces the need to operate the
convective thermal regulating device 204 to regulate the
microenvironment. For example, the user 206 can stop operating the
convective thermal regulating device 204 when a selected
temperature range is achieved in the microclimate. This allows for
more precise heating or cooling of a specified area and allows for
decreased electricity use, decreased greenhouse gas emissions from
the convective thermal regulating device 204, and decreased "heat
dump" from the convective thermal regulating device 204.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system 200 further including one or
more indicators 302 coupled to the conductive thermal regulating
device 202 in accordance with an example implementation of the
present disclosure. In some embodiments, the indicator 302 can
comprise a variety of different types of indicators that are
contemplated, including, but not limited to smart pigments (e.g.,
Thermocromic Pigments manufactured by OliKrom), temperature
indicator strips (e.g., MonitorMark Time Temperature Indicators
manufactured by 3M), thermochromatic flexible films (e.g., ChroMyx
manufactured by Chameleon International) and so forth. The
indicators 302 can indicate a temperature change in the conductive
thermal regulating device 202. For example, as the conductive
thermal regulating device cools, the indicator 302 can change
colors to indicate that the conductive thermal regulating device
202 is approaching and/or has reached the selected temperature
range. When this selected temperature range is reached, it is an
indication for the user 206 to turn the air conditioning unit off,
or to use less power than previously. However, the use of smart
pigments or temperature indicator strips is offered by way of
example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present
disclosure. In other embodiments, the indicators 302 can comprise
other types of sensors (e.g. radio-frequency identification sensor,
ambient sensor, temperature sensitive film membrane, etc.) that can
be configured to detect and/or measure a temperature change in the
conductive thermal regulating device 202.
[0050] In some embodiments, the convective thermal regulating
device 204 can be communicatively coupled with the conductive
thermal regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For
example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can include a
transceiver module 402 that can communicate with conductive thermal
regulating device 202. The transceiver module 402 can receive
temperature information from the conductive thermal regulating
device 202. In some implementations, the transceiver module 402 can
receive temperature information from the indicators 302. The
convective thermal regulating device 204 can further include a
temperature regulator 404 configured to respond (e.g. start the
convective thermal regulating device 204, stop the convective
thermal regulating device 204, etc.) to temperature information
received from the conductive thermal regulating device 202.
Communication between the convective thermal regulating device 204
and the conductive thermal regulating device 202 allows for a
desired temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202
to be achieved more quickly and directly. Thus, the convective
thermal regulating device 204 can be utilized less frequently or
for shorter periods to achieve a desired temperature in the
microclimate (i.e., interface between the user 206 and the
conductive thermal regulating device 202), resulting in decreased
electricity utilization and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
Example Programmable Thermostat Implementation
[0051] FIG. 5A illustrates a synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system 200 further including an
external programmable thermostat 502 in accordance with an example
implementation of the present disclosure. In some implementations,
the programmable thermostat 502 can be in communication with at
least one of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 or the
convective thermal regulating device 204. The programmable
thermostat can include a transceiver module 504, a temperature
sensor 506, a temperature regulator 508 and a data entry display
510.
[0052] The transceiver module 504 can be capable of both receiving
and transmitting information to at least one of the conductive
thermal regulating device 202 or the convective thermal regulating
device 204. In implementations, the transceiver module 504 can
transmit temperature information from the conductive thermal
regulating device 202 to the temperature sensor 506.
[0053] The temperature regulator 508 can control the operation of
the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. turn on, turn
off, increase fan level, etc.). The temperature regulator 508 can
include a microprocessor and a memory. The memory can be store a
predetermined temperature setpoint. The programmable thermostat 502
can further in include a data entry display 510 (e.g. touch screen,
keypad, etc.) capable of receiving user input. The data entry
display 510 can be used to enter the temperature setpoint. In
implementations, the temperature regulator 508 can control the
operation of the convective thermal regulating device 204 based
comparison of the temperature setpoint to temperature information
received from the conductive thermal regulating device 202.
[0054] The use of an external programmable thermostat 502 is
offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive
of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the programmable
thermostat 502 can be included in or coupled to the convective
thermal regulating device 204, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
Example Mobile Electronic Device Implementation
[0055] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an environment 600 in an example
implementation that is operable to facilitate the synergistic
pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200
further including a computing device in accordance with the present
disclosure. The computing device can be a mobile electronic device
602 (e.g., notebook, tablet, smartphone, or the like). However, the
use of a mobile electronic device 602 is offered by way of example
only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure.
In other embodiments, the computing device can be any other
computing device configured to receive user inputs (e.g., desktop
computer). In some implementations, the synergistic pairing
convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 may be
controlled by the mobile electronic device 602.
[0056] The mobile electronic device 602 includes a processor 604
and a memory 606. The processor 604 can include any number of
processors, micro-controllers, or other processing systems (e.g.,
programmable logic device(s) or the like). The processor 604 is in
communication with resident or external memory for storing data and
other information accessed or generated by the mobile electronic
device 602. The processor 604 may execute one or more software
programs (e.g., modules) from the memory 606 to implement steps,
operations, or techniques described herein.
[0057] The memory 606 can include tangible computer-readable media
that provides storage functionality to store various data
associated with the operation of the mobile electronic device 602,
such as a software program (e.g., a non-transitory
computer-readable medium embodying a program executable by the
processor 604) and code segments mentioned herein, or other data to
instruct the processor 604 (and other elements of the mobile
electronic device 602 to perform the steps or operations described
herein.
[0058] The mobile electronic device 602 can be communicatively
coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In some
implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 receives
temperature information from the indicators 302 of the conductive
thermal regulating device 202 via a communication network 608
through a communication module 610 included in the mobile
electronic device 602. The mobile electronic device 602 can also be
communicatively coupled to the programmable thermostat 502. The
communication module 610 may be representative of a variety of
communication components and functionality, including, but not
limited to: one or more antennas; a browser; a transmitter and/or
receiver; a wireless radio; data ports; software interfaces and
drivers; networking interfaces; data processing components; and so
forth.
[0059] The communication network 608 may comprise a variety of
different types of networks and connections that are contemplated,
including, but not limited to: the Internet; an intranet; a
satellite network; a cellular network; a mobile data network; wired
and/or wireless connections; and so forth. Examples of wireless
networks include, but are not limited to: networks configured for
communications according to: one or more standard of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), such as 802.11 or
802.16 (Wi-Max) standards; Wi-Fi standards promulgated by the Wi-Fi
Alliance; Bluetooth standards promulgated by the Bluetooth Special
Interest Group; Near Field Communication (NFC); and so on. Wired
communications are also contemplated such as through universal
serial bus (USB), Ethernet, serial connections, and the like.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile electronic device 602
includes a touch-sensitive display 612, which can be implemented
using a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode
display, or the like. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive
display 612 may include a touch panel 614. The touch panel 614 may
be, but is not limited to: a capacitive touch panel, a resistive
touch panel, an infrared touch panel, combinations thereof, and the
like. Thus, the display 612 may be configured to receive input from
a user and display information to the user of the mobile electronic
device 602. For example, the display 612 displays visual output to
the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons,
video, interactive fields configured to receive input from a user,
and any combination thereof (collectively termed "graphics").
[0061] The display 612 is communicatively coupled to a display
controller 616 that can receive and/or transmit electrical signals
to the touch-sensitive display 612. In an implementation, the touch
panel 614 includes a sensor, an array of sensors, or the like,
configured to accept input from a user based upon haptic and/or
tactile contact. The touch panel 614, in combination with the
display controller 616 (along with any associated modules and/or
sets of computer-readable instructions in memory 606), detects a
point of contact (or points of contact), as well as any movement or
breaking of the contact, on the touch panel 614 and converts the
detected contact (e.g., a finger of the user, a stylus, etc.) into
electrical signals representing interactions with user-interface
objects (e.g., buttons, custom views, icons, web pages, images, web
page links, etc.) that are displayed through the display 612.
[0062] The mobile electronic device 602 may further include one or
more input/output (I/O) devices 618 (e.g., a keypad, buttons, a
wireless input device, a thumbwheel input device, a track stick
input device, and so on). The I/O devices 618 may include one or
more audio I/O devices, such as a microphone, speakers, and so on.
Thus, I/O devices 618 may include a keyboard configured to receive
user input. In an implementation, the keyboard may be integrated
with the mobile electronic device 602, or the keyboard may be a
peripheral device that is configured to interface with the mobile
electronic device 602 (e.g., via a USB port, etc.).
[0063] The mobile electronic device 602 is shown to include a user
interface 520, which is storable in memory 606 and executable by
the processor 604. The user interface 620 enables a user to control
the display of information and data to the user of the mobile
electronic device 602 via the display 612. In some implementations,
the display 612 may not be integrated into the mobile electronic
device 602 and may instead be connected externally using universal
serial bus (USB), Ethernet, serial connections, or the like. The
user interface 620 may allow the user to interact with one or more
applications 622 of the mobile electronic device 602 by providing
inputs via the touch panel 614 and/or the I/O devices 618. For
example, the user interface 620 may cause an application
programming interface (API) to be generated, allowing an
application 622 to configure the application for display by the
display 612 or in combination with another display. In embodiments,
the API may further allow the user to interact with the application
622 by providing inputs via the touch panel 614 and/or the I/O
devices 618.
[0064] Applications 622 may comprise software modules, which are
storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604, to
perform a specific operation or group of operations associated with
the mobile electronic device 602. Example applications may include
content resource management applications, cellular telephone
applications, instant messaging applications, email applications,
address book applications, and so forth.
[0065] In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 602 can
indirectly (i.e., remotely) obtain the temperature of the
conductive thermal regulating device 202, as seen in FIG. 6A. The
mobile electronic device 602 can include a temperature module 624
that is storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604.
The temperature module 624 can cause the processor 604 to
communicate with the mobile electronic device 602 and run one or
more application 622 contained on the mobile electronic device 602.
The application(s) 622 may obtain the temperature from the
indicators 302. In some implementations the communication module
610 of the mobile electronic device 602 can communicate the
temperature obtained to the programmable thermostat 502. The
programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal
regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal
regulating device 204, decrease or increase the pre-set temperature
point, etc.) based on the temperature information received from the
conductive thermal regulating device 202.
[0066] In other implementations, the processor 604 can present the
temperature obtained from the indicators 302 via the display 612,
or the like. The display 612 can also receive an instruction from a
user (e.g. to start or stop the convective cooling device, decrease
or increase the temperature setpoint of the programmable thermostat
502, etc.). The communication module 610 can communicate the user's
instruction to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable
thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device
204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device
204, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint, etc.) based on
the received instruction. However, the use of the programmable
thermostat 502 is offered by way of example only and is not meant
to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other
implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 may communicate
directly with the convective thermal regulating device 204.
[0067] In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 602 can be
configured to directly obtain the temperature of the conductive
thermal regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. The
mobile electronic device 602 can include one or more sensors 626
(e.g. infrared sensor, ambient sensor, etc.). The sensor 626 can be
internal to the mobile electronic device 602 (e.g., embedded in the
device, incorporated in a camera on the device, etc.) or external
(e.g., thermometer that can be coupled to the phone, etc.). The
mobile electronic device 602 can include a temperature module 624
that is storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604.
The temperature module 624 can cause the processor 604 to
communicate with the mobile electronic device 602 and run one or
more application 622 contained on the mobile electronic device 602.
The application(s) 622 may obtain the temperature from the sensor
626 (e.g., by placing the mobile electronic device 602 in direct
physical contact with, or in close proximity to, the conductive
thermal regulating device 202). In some implementations the
communication module 610 of the mobile electronic device 602 can
communicate the temperature obtained to the programmable thermostat
502. The programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective
thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective
thermal regulating device 204, decrease or increase the pre-set
temperature point, etc.) based on the temperature information
received from the sensor 626.
[0068] In other implementations, the processor 604 can present the
temperature obtained from the sensor 626 via the display 612, or
the like. The display 612 can also receive an instruction from a
user (e.g. to start or stop the convective cooling device, decrease
or increase the temperature setpoint of the programmable thermostat
502, etc.). The communication module 610 can communicate the user's
instruction to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable
thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device
204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device
204, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint, etc.) based on
the received instruction. However, the use of the programmable
thermostat 502 is offered by way of example only and is not meant
to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other
implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 may communicate
directly with the convective thermal regulating device 204.
Example Cooling Implementation
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates an environment 700 that is operable to
facilitate a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal
regulating system 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. In
some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and
conductive thermal regulating system 200 can be used to cool an
area. For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can
be an air conditioner 702. The air conditioner 702 artificially
induces a decrease in temperature in the conductive thermal
regulating device 202 (e.g. conductive fluid pillow insert 704) as
compared to the standing ambient temperature. In some
implementations, the air conditioner 702 can be manually controlled
in response to the temperature of the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704. For example, a user can adjust the air conditioner 702
to achieve a first ambient temperature. In response, the conductive
fluid pillow insert 704 eventually reaches a selected temperature
range that is related to (e.g., approximately equal to or nearer
to) the first ambient temperature. The air conditioner 702 can then
be raised to a second (higher) ambient temperature while the
conductive fluid pillow insert 704 remains at or near the selected
temperature range. In this manner, it is possible to reduce energy
costs by benefiting from the cooling effect of the conductive fluid
pillow insert 704 while the air conditioner 702 is placed in an off
or standby mode of operation (i.e., where it is not actively
cooling the environment). In some implementations, the air
conditioner 702 can communicate with the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704 to change the temperature in the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704. For example, the air conditioner 702 can be configured
to stop operating when the conductive fluid pillow insert 704
reaches a desired temperature. However, the use of a conductive
fluid pillow insert 704 is offered by way of example only and is
not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be
any conductive cooling device (e.g., mattress pad, seat pad, pet
bed, etc.).
[0070] In some implementations, the programmable thermostat 502 can
be configured to communicate with at least one of the air
conditioner 702 or the conductive fluid pillow insert 704. The
programmable thermostat 502 can be configured to control the
operation of the air conditioner 702 based on the temperature of
the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, as described above.
[0071] In other implementations, the mobile electronic device 602
can be used to communicate with at least one of the air conditioner
702, conductive fluid pillow insert 704, or programmable thermostat
502 over a communication network 608. In some implementations, the
mobile electronic device 602 can be used to remotely control the
operation of at least one of the air conditioner 702 or
programmable thermostat 502 based on temperature information
received from the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, as described
above. However, the remote use of the mobile electronic device 602
is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be
restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, mobile
electronic device 602 can be used to control operation of the air
conditioner 702 while in proximity to the air conditioner 702
(e.g., as a controller, etc.).
[0072] Because fluid liquid has enhanced conductive properties and
advanced heat capacity beyond fluid air, the area within the
conductive fluid pillow insert 704 will have a more powerful and
immediate cooling effect than the surrounding air. Thus, a
microclimate (e.g., the interface between the user 206 and the
conductive fluid pillow insert 704) is created, which can be cooled
to the selected temperature range rather than cooling the entire
microenvironment (e.g., room containing the air conditioner 702).
For example, if the air flow from the air conditioner 702 is
directed relatively directly over the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704, a person's pillow area 706 can be cooled to a desired
sleeping temperature, rather than cooling the entire bedroom.
Additionally, when a person lays on the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704, conductive heat transfer (e.g. body heat, etc.) into
the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 increases not only the rate
of cooling, but helps to create the aforementioned synergistic
cooling effect. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can also
maintain the microclimate by passively radiating heat accumulated
in the insert 704 (e.g. body heat, heat from the air, etc.) away
from the pillow area and back into the surrounding air of the
microenvironment, keeping the pillow area 706 cooler and reducing
the need to use the air conditioner 702. This allows for more
precise cooling of a specified area and allows for decreased
electricity use.
[0073] FIG. 8 illustrates example instructions for adjusting the
air conditioner 702 to achieve a selected temperature range in the
conductive thermal regulating device 202. These instructions are
applicable to 5,000 to 24,000 BTU air conditioners. For example, if
the user wishes to cool the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 and
the surrounding microenvironment to approximately 78 degrees
Fahrenheit, the user can initially set the air conditioner 702 to
that temperature and operate the air conditioner 702 until the 78
degree temperature is reached. The user can then raise the air
conditioner setting to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. FIG. 9 illustrates
examples of air conditioner sizes and the corresponding room sizes
they could be capable of cooling. It is to be understood that these
use instructions and air conditioner size recommendations are
offered by way of example only and are not meant to be restrictive
of the present disclosure. In implementations, size of air
conditioner utilized and method of use can vary by the individual
user's preferences.
[0074] The use of a synergistic pairing convective and conductive
thermal regulating system 200 for the purpose of cooling an area is
offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive
of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the synergistic
pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 can
be configured to produce other temperature effects (e.g.,
synergistic heating, etc.).
Example Processes
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 800 that employs a
synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating
system 200, such as the synergistic pairing conductive and
convective thermal regulating system 200 shown in FIGS. 1 through
5.
[0076] In the process 800 illustrated, a convective thermal
regulating device is operated to induce a temperature change in a
conductive thermal regulating device (Block 802). As shown in FIG.
7, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be an air
conditioner 702. In some implementations, the conductive thermal
regulating device 202 can be a conductive fluid pillow insert 704.
For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can
induce a temperature in the conductive thermal regulating device
202 approximately in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The
induced temperature change can be a decrease in temperature.
[0077] The temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device
is detected (Block 804). In some implementations, the achievement
of a desired temperature can be manually detected by a user. For
example, the user 206 can manually observe or sense an ambient
temperature, a temperature setting of the convective thermal
regulating device 204, and/or a temperature of the conductive
thermal regulating device 202. Based upon the sensed
temperature(s), the user 206 can adjust the convective thermal
regulating device 204 to achieve a balance between the ambient
temperature and a selected temperature range for the conductive
thermal regulating device 202. In other implementations, the
temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be
indicated by an indicator 302. As shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the
conductive thermal regulating device 202 can include one or more
indicators 302. The indicators 302 can indicate the temperature of
the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In some
implementations, the user 206 can manually adjust the convective
thermal regulating device 204 to achieve a balance between the
ambient temperature and a selected temperature range for the
conductive thermal regulating device 202, as described above. In
other implementations, the conductive thermal regulating device 202
can be configured to communicate its temperature to the user 206,
the convective thermal regulating device 204, a programmable
thermostat 502, and/or a mobile electronic device 602.
[0078] Heat is transferred rapidly into the conductive thermal
regulating device to achieve a selected temperature range in a
microclimate (Block 806). For example, the conductive fluid pillow
insert 704 can prevent heat from transferring into the pillow area
706. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can be further
activated by heat transfer (e.g. body heat, etc.), increasing the
cooling effect. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can radiate
the heat away from the pillow area 706 and back into the
surrounding air of the microenvironment. In this way, a
microclimate is created and maintained within a specific portion of
the microenvironment that the user 206 is or will be utilizing.
[0079] The operation of the convective thermal regulating device is
controlled (e.g. started, stopped, fan speed increased or
decreased, etc.) based on maintaining the selected temperature
range (Block 808). In some implementations, the operation of the
convective thermal regulating device 204 can be manually controlled
(e.g. by a person as previously described herein). In other
implementations, the operation of the convective thermal regulating
device 204 can be controlled by at least one of the programmable
thermostat 502 or the mobile electronic device 602. For example,
the at least one of the programmable thermostat 502 or the mobile
electronic device 602 can be configured to communicate at least one
of an instruction or temperature information to the convective
thermal regulating device 204 based on the temperature of the
conductive thermal regulating device 202, as described above.
[0080] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing
operations can be carried out in any order, unless otherwise
indicated herein, and that one or more steps may be carried out
substantially simultaneously or at least partially in parallel. It
should be further recognized that the various functions,
operations, blocks, or steps described throughout the present
disclosure may be carried out by any combination of hardware,
software, or firmware. Various steps or operations may be carried
out by one or more of the following: electronic circuitry, logic
gates, multiplexers, a programmable logic device, an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
controller/microcontroller, or a computing system. A computing
system may include, but is not limited to, a personal computing
system, mainframe computing system, workstation, image computer,
parallel processor, or any other device known in the art. In
general, the terms "controller" and "computing system" are broadly
defined to encompass any device having one or more processors,
which execute instructions from a carrier medium.
[0081] Program instructions implementing methods, such as those
manifested by embodiments described herein, may be transmitted over
or stored on carrier medium. The carrier medium may be a
transmission medium, such as, but not limited to, a wire, cable, or
wireless transmission link. The carrier medium may also include a
non-transitory signal bearing medium or storage medium such as, but
not limited to, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a
magnetic or optical disk, a solid-state or flash memory device, or
a magnetic tape.
[0082] It is further contemplated that any embodiment or
implementation of the disclosure manifested above as a system or
method may include at least a portion of any other embodiment or
implementation described herein. Those having skill in the art will
appreciate that there are various embodiments or implementations by
which systems and methods described herein can be implemented, and
that the implementation will vary with the context in which an
embodiment of the disclosure is deployed.
[0083] Furthermore, it is to be understood that although the
subject matter has been described in language specific to
structural features and/or process operations, it is to be
understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims
is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *