Multimodal metallization systems for thermoregulation and methods thereof
AssigneeDuke University
InventorsPo-Chun Hsu, Xiuqiang Li, Boran Ma, Catherine Brinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a multimodal adaptive textile with moisture-responsive flaps composed of a nylon/metal heterostructure, which can simultaneously regulate convection, sweat evaporation, and mid-infrared emission to accomplish heat transfer tuning in response to human perspiration vapor. A metal layer contributes to low-emissivity radiative heating and enhances the bimorph actuation performance. The multimodal adaptive mechanism expands the thermal comfort zone compared to traditional static textiles and single-modal adaptive textiles without any electricity or energy input.
Claims20
A multimodal wearable for thermoregulation, the multimodal wearable comprising:
- a multilayer body comprising a hygroscopic polymer layer and a metal layer on the hygroscopic polymer layer;
- a color layer on the metal layer;
- and
- an array of a plurality of flaps pivotally connected the body,
- wherein the flaps move from a closed state to an open state in response to human perspiration vapor.
A method of providing thermoregulation using a multimodal wearable, the method comprising:
- providing a multimodal wearable comprising a multilayer body comprising a hygroscopic polymer layer and a metal layer on the hygroscopic polymer layer, a color layer on the metal layer, and an array of a plurality of flaps connected the body;
- placing the wearable adjacent a human body;
- and
- automatically moving the flaps between a closed, flat state and an open state in response to a level of perspiration vapor from the human body.
An article of clothing comprising:
- a multilayer body comprising a nylon layer and a silver layer on the nylon layer;
- a color layer on the silver layer;
- and
- an array of a plurality of flaps hingedly connected the body,
- wherein the flaps move to an open state in response to human perspiration vapor generating a relative humidity greater than a first threshold level, and
- wherein the flaps move to a closed state in response to human perspiration vapor generating a relative humidity less than a second threshold level,
- wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the body when the flaps are in the open state to promote convection, radiation, and perspiration evaporation, and
- wherein the silver layer is continuous with the flaps in the closed state to provide a low-emissivity layer to suppress radiation heat loss.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.