FERREIRA, Maria José Pinto (Rua de Fundões-Devesa Velha, São João da Madeira, 3700-121 São Jão da Madeira, PT)
PINTO, Vera Mónica Gomez Vaz (Rua De Fundões-Devesa Velha, São Jõao da Madeira, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, PT)
PEREIRA, Carlos Manuel De Mel (Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, PT)
SOUSA, Fernando Manuel Fernandes de (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I.- N°1 S. João da Madeira, 3700-18 São João da Madeira, PT)
GUERREIRO, Rui Manuel Luzia (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I. N°1 S. João da Madeira, 3700-018 São João da Madeira, PT)
PEREIRA, Fernando Joaquim Ganhão (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I.N°, 3700-018 São João da Madeira, PT)
INOCAM-Soluções de Manufactura Assistida por Computador, Lda. (Rua dos Açores, 278-Zona Industrial N.°1 S. João da Madeira, 3700-018 São João da Madeira, PT)
SILVA, Ricardo Jorge Andrade Moreira da (Rua de Fundões-Devesa Velha, São João da Madeira, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, PT)
FERREIRA, Maria José Pinto (Rua de Fundões-Devesa Velha, São João da Madeira, 3700-121 São Jão da Madeira, PT)
PINTO, Vera Mónica Gomez Vaz (Rua De Fundões-Devesa Velha, São Jõao da Madeira, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, PT)
PEREIRA, Carlos Manuel De Mel (Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, PT)
SOUSA, Fernando Manuel Fernandes de (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I.- N°1 S. João da Madeira, 3700-18 São João da Madeira, PT)
GUERREIRO, Rui Manuel Luzia (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I. N°1 S. João da Madeira, 3700-018 São João da Madeira, PT)
PEREIRA, Fernando Joaquim Ganhão (Rua dos Açores, 278-Z.I.N°, 3700-018 São João da Madeira, PT)
| CLAIMS 1. Actuating system for active and autonomous control of the temperature inside the footwear - heating or cooling -, characterized in that it combines a multilayer structure pad (1) (2), thermoelectric modules (3), miniaturized temperature sensor (4), electronic actuating circuit (6) ; rechargeable battery (8) and sole fitting system (10) . 2. Multilayer pad structure (1) (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a combination of materials in conducting-insulating-conducting multilayer, two external layers of heat conducting materials (1) , such as conducting fabrics, conducting polymers, metal films, particles doped polymers or fabrics sewed with metal yarns having a thermal conductivity equal or greater than 0,5 W.m"1.0^1 and an intermediate heat insulating layer (2) made of fabrics or other insulating flexible materials having a thermal conductivity equal or greater than 0,1 W.m"1.^"1. 3. Multilayer pad structure (1) (2) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the insulating layer (2) incorporates two thermoelectric modules (3), which induce a thermal gradient due to the passage of electric current through the module itself, activating the heating or cooling of the adjacent conducting layers (1), and in that it incorporates a miniaturized temperature sensor (4) , which monitors the temperature inside the footwear. 4. Electronic actuating circuit (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a software program that collects information sent out by the miniaturized sensor (4) , monitoring the temperature inside the footwear, and in case of temperature values below 250C the circuit induces the heating of the upper surface of the thermoelectric modules (3) and in case of temperature values above 35°C accomplishes a current reversal, i.e., induces the heating of the upper surface of the thermoelectric modules (3) . 5. Electronic actuating circuit (6) according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that it has a reversible topology, capable of taking advantage of the thermal differential in the thermoelectric modules, in order to convert the thermal energy into electric energy, which can be used to recharge the battery (8) . 6. Fitting system for the sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of two adjacent cavities, the size of each cavity being appropriate to fit the actuating electronic system (6) and the rechargeable battery (8) , respectively, incorporating a hole between the cavities for the passage of the supply electric cables (7) and a hole contacting the outside for the electrical supply plug (9) . 7. Actuating system for active and autonomous control of the temperature inside the footwear according to the previous claims, characterized in that it is applicable to any type of sole or footwear. |
The present invention relates to an actuating system for active and autonomous control of the temperature inside the footwear, heating or cooling, and capable of converting heat energy into electrical energy. This system is applicable to the insole and aims to provide the user with a stable thermal comfort level according to pre- established temperature intervals.
The present invention aims to solve a problem currently associated with footwear discomfort, the sensation of cold or hot feet, which cause a thermal discomfort affecting the general wellbeing of the user.
According to previous works carried out by the inventors of the present invention it was verified that the foot comfort temperature is about 3O 0 C. It was also verified that the user only perceives a heating-cooling sensation with thermal variations in the feet of about 5°C. According to these results in the present invention a temperature interval between 25°C and 35 0 C ensuring thermal comfort of the feet is defined.
The present invention aims thus to solve the above- mentioned problem by inserting the proposed actuating system in the footwear, based in a core comprising a programmable electronic actuating circuit, "Peltier" type modules, miniaturised temperature sensor and a rechargeable battery, combined with a multi-layer structure, which assembly ensures the keeping of the comfort temperature intervals inside the footwear. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There has been particular interest in the problematic associated with the thermal comfort of the feet due to the importance this property induces in the well-being of the final user. Footwear that cannot keep an appropriate feet temperature will lead to discomfort sensations, annoyance and in some cases even pain.
In order to solve this problem some solutions have recently been proposed by the scientific and industrial community, from the use of new materials to the use of new methodologies of footwear manufacturing and more recently, the use of electronic devices. The use of electronic devices to control the temperature inside the footwear is presently the most common solution, as one can observe from the majority of the patents regarding this subject.
US 2006/0201025 refers to an electro-thermal pad (10) to be used in shoes, comprising two layers of heat-proof fabrics (11 and 12) and an electro-thermal structure (13) homogeneously distributed between the two layers, which pad is connected to a control circuit (20) and battery (30) through a connecting wire. Control circuit (20) and battery (30) are emplaced in a casing (40) having a switch to the manual actuation of the system and it can be incorporated in the concave part of the pad (10) , turning it in an integrated assembly.
The novelty of the present invention compared to the above US patent is a core comprising a programmable electronic actuating circuit, "Peltier" type thermoelectric modules, a miniaturised temperature sensor and a rechargeable battery. This core is further combined with a multi-layer structure that consists of two layers made of heat conducting materials, namely conducting fabrics, conducting polymers, metallic films or particles doped polymers ensuring the thermal transfer and an intermediate layer consisting of flexible and heat insulating materials.
The above system provides the heating or cooling inside the footwear, automatically ensures and controls the keeping of the comfort temperature and provides the conversion of heat energy into electrical energy- generating the self-feeding of the rechargeable battery.
In brief, the state of the art resulting from the previous patent exclusively allows the heating of the inside of footwear, does not ensure temperature levelling, and the thermoelectric structure is controlled by means of an on-off manual control circuit and the system has no power self -feeding capacity.
DE 202006001494 claims an electric heating pad (1) comprising an electric heater (7) associated to a rechargeable battery (4) , embedded in a pad made of polyurethane gel or silicone (2) , forming a single body- applicable to footwear.
In comparison with the above invention the novelty of the present invention is a core comprising a programmable electronic actuating circuit, "Peltier" type thermoelectric modules, a miniaturised temperature sensor and a rechargeable battery in combination with a multilayer structure having the above-mentioned features. The system made in this way provides for heating or cooling inside the footwear, automatically ensures and controls the keeping of the comfort temperature and provides for conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy that generates self-feeding of the rechargeable battery.
In brief, the state of the art resulting from the previous patent provides exclusively the heating of the footwear inside, based on an electric resistor fed by a battery, which assembly is embedded in a gel pad ensuring its protection against moisture and other impacts.
By comparison, the prior invention does not ensure the temperature levelling inside the footwear, which progressively dissipates over the time, and the system has no power self-feeding capacity.
WO 2005/087031 consists of a moulded sole, which is heated or cooled by means of electric power comprising a "Peltier" module applied to the sole at the moulding stage; a battery or an accumulator that supplies electric power to the module to cause heating or cooling; a socket to charge the battery or accumulator; a switch to adjust the desired temperature; an electronic circuit providing heat and time automatic control.
The present invention differs from the above patent to the extent that it consists of an actuating system applicable to pads having a multilayer structure characterized in that it has two layers made of heat conducting materials and an intermediate layer made of heat insulating materials incorporating two "Peltier" modules and a miniaturized temperature sensor, connected to a programmable electronic actuating circuit and a battery.
The system of the present invention ensures and automatically controls the keeping of the comfort temperature inside the footwear, provides for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy- generating the self- feeding of the rechargeable battery and allows its application to any type of footwear and to any process of footwear assembly.
In brief, the state of the art resulting from the previous patent - a sole that heats or cools using electric power - is exclusively applicable to moulded soles and during its assembly process, temperature is manually adjusted and has no power self-feeding capacity.
US 2007/7186957 relates to a temperature regulated clothing and consists of a thermoelectric module using the "Peltier" effect in combination with a fluid circulation system and heat exchangers applied to the shoes sole-vamp assembly.
The present invention consists of an actuating system for active and autonomous control of the comfort temperature inside the footwear, applicable to the sole- pad, which differs from the state of the art in that it uses a multilayer structure characterized by two layers made of heat conducting materials and an intermediate layer made of heat insulating materials incorporating and connecting to a thermoelectric core with the already mentioned features. US 2007/0113564 relates to a mechanically heated and cooled shoe with easy-to-use controls. The system comprises a module consisting of a thermostat, a cooling device and a heating device, a module of electric heating elements, a module of fluid cooling elements and an on-off control module.
The present invention consists of an actuating system for active and autonomous control of the comfort temperature inside the footwear, applicable to the sole- pad, which differs from the state of the art in that it uses completely different technologies, namely, combining a multilayer structure pad with a thermoelectric core as mentioned above.
There are other patents referring to the footwear temperature control subject or its components, namely US 2007003920, US 1997/5623772, US 1998/5722185, CA 2546650, DE 06001494U, FR 20012825006, DE 10305718, JP 2006116255, KR 2005 0024716, CN 1843248, CN 1965713, KR 20010044793, CN 2781846Y, however their claims significantly differ from the claims of the present invention.
In conclusion, and having in mind the combined analysis of the above-mentioned patents it follows that the present invention has Novelty and Inventive Step regarding the state of the art resulting from each of the prior patents per se, or from its combination. The invention is novel to the extent that it relates to an innovating system, an actuating system for active and autonomous control of the comfort temperature inside the footwear, characterized in that it combines a novel thermoelectric core incorporated in a multilayer structure, which features are also novel as reflected in the appended claims. It has inventive step because it aims to automatically ensure, control and keep a uniform comfort temperature inside the footwear, within an established interval, as well as to provide for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy and to generate self- feeding of the battery.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention combines thermo-electronic and material technologies applied to the footwear sole-pad and it is characterized in that it has an actuating system capable of monitoring, controlling and keeping the comfort temperature inside the footwear in a dynamic and autonomous way, ensuring the self-feeding and energy- control required to the system operation.
This system can be applied to any type of footwear during the assembly process, allowing the user to have the feet in a stable comfort habitat all over the day.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The following detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, as a non- limitative example of the invention, in which:
Figure 1 - shows a schematic representation of the temperature control actuating system; Figure 2 - shows a schematic representation of the pad made of a conducting- insulating-conducting multilayer structure;
Figure 3 - shows a schematic representation of the heat insulating layer incorporating thermoelectric modules;
Figure 4 - shows a schematic representation of the thermoelectric modules;
Figure 5 - shows a schematic representation of the electronic actuating circuit;
Figure 6 - shows a schematic representation of the fitting system in the sole.
Detailed description
The detailed operation of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
According to Figure 1, the actuating system active and autonomous control of the temperature inside the footwear comprises the following elements:
heat conducting layers (1) ; heat insulating layers (2) ; thermoelectric modules (3) ; - miniaturised temperature sensor (4) ; conducting wires (5) ; electronic actuating circuit (6) ; feeder cables (7) ; - rechargeable battery (8) ; electric power supply plug (9) ; cavity with a fitting system in the sole (10) .
The proposed system consists of a combination of several elements, its wholeness being characterized in that it has a pad made of a conducting-insulating- conducting multilayer structure (1) and (2), incorporating in its heat insulating layer (2) two actuating thermoelectric modules (3) and a miniaturized temperature sensor (4) , which are connected to an electronic actuating circuit by means of conducting wires (5) , which circuit in turn is connected to a rechargeable battery (8) by means of feeder cables (7) , these latter elements being incorporated in a cavity having a fitting system (10) provided in the sole and further incorporating an electric power supply plug (9) through which the system is initially fed and activated.
This system can be applied to any kind of soles and to any kind of footwear during the assembly stage .
This system ensures the self-feeding and power control required to the continuous operation of the system, as well as control and keeping the temperature inside the footwear within a temperature range ensuring the suitable thermal comfort for the user, established between [25°C and 35 0 C]. This range can be adjusted preprogramming the electronic circuit (6) to different temperatures, as requested by the client.
This system works in an active and autonomous way- requiring no intervention of the user, except for the initial external electrical supply from an electric transformer, commercially available in the market, which is connected to the electric plug (9) . This electrical supply will charge the rechargeable battery (8) , which stores energy and feeds itself using the system actuation and feeds the system making it autonomous .
The miniaturized temperature sensor (4) incorporated in the insulating layer (2) of the conducting- insulating- conducting multilayer structure (1) and (2) , monitors the temperature inside the footwear, and when out of the established limits, the electronic actuating circuit (6) actuates the thermoelectric modules (3) to reset the appropriate temperature, either by cooling or heating.
When out of work the electronic circuit (6) uses the existing thermal gradient inside the footwear to activate the reverse effect in the thermoelectric modules (3) thus ensuring the system self-feeding and the autonomous recharging of the battery (8) .
According to Figure 2 the conducting- insulating- conducting multilayer structure (1) and (2) pad is obtained by moulding three layers coupled between themselves, a heat insulating layer (2) embedded inside two external heat conducting layers (1) . The join between the layers can be made by gluing or other join method, the spot gluing being the one providing the best dissipative characteristics to the system.
The external heat conducting layers (1) can be made of conducting fabrics, conducting polymers, metallic films, particles doped polymers or fabrics sewed with metal yarn having a thermal conductivity equal or greater than 0,5 W.m^.k "1 . This layer allows the thermal dissipation inside the footwear, during either heating or cooling.
The internal heat insulating layer (2) , shown in detail in Figure 3, incorporates two thermoelectric modules (3) and a miniaturized temperature sensor (4) . This layer has two openings with the same size and thickness as the thermoelectric modules (3) allowing the fitting of these elements in the positions corresponding to the heel and plantar arch. Likewise, the temperature sensor (4) will be placed in the region consisting of fabrics or other flexible insulating materials having a thermal conductivity equal or less than 0,1 W.m^.k "1 . This layer allows the thermal dissipation inside the footwear, during either heating or cooling.
Figure 4 shows a thermoelectric module (3) available in the market, which acts according to the "Peltier" effect, i.e., a thermal gradient is caused due to the passage of electric power through the module itself and which, when incorporated in the proposed actuating system, activates the heating or cooling of the adjacent conducting layers (1). The thermoelectric modules (3) are located in the positions indicated in Figure 3 and are connected to the electronic circuit (6) by connecting the conducting wires (5) to the connection plug (17) indicated in Figure 5.
Figure 5 shows in detail the electronic circuit (6) comprising the following elements: Integrated circuits (11) ;
Connection plug of the temperature sensor installed inside the footwear (12) ;
- Electrolytic capacitor (13) ; Circuit programming plug (14) ;
- Coil (15) ;
Circuit supplying plug (16) ;
Connection plug to the thermoelectric device (17) ; Current sensor integrated circuit (18) ; Switching transistors (19) ;
The electronic circuit (6) is the core of the system and is responsible for processing the whole self-feeding and energy control system, as well as for the whole temperature control and keeping system to be dissipated inside the footwear. The electronic circuit (6) ensures the operation of the whole system within the pre- established comfort temperature range by means of a specific software. The Electronic circuit (6) monitors the temperature by means of a miniaturized sensor positioned in the insulating layer (2) of the multi-layer pad, which sensor is connected to the connection plug (12) . In case of a temperature below 25°C the circuit induces the heating of the thermoelectric module (3) upper surface and in case of a temperature above 35 0 C it accomplishes a current reversal, which induces the cooling of the thermoelectric (3) upper surface. The current reversal in the thermoelectric modules (3) is achieved switching the capacitors (19) in a suitable manner. The electronic circuit (6) further comprises a radial electrolytic capacitor (13) and an electrical supply plug (16) of the circuit . As shown in Figure 6, the sole (10) has a fitting system consisting of two cavities (20) and (21) specifically designed to receive the programmed electronic circuit (6) and the rechargeable battery (8) , respectively, in order to simultaneously ensure the technical function of the system and the aesthetic function of the sole-shoe, as well as to ensure the easy fitting of the components, the sole weightlessness and ergonomics, and a final easy construction of the shoe. The sole further comprises a hole (22) contacting the outside to insert the electric power- supplying plug (9) and an inner hole (23) connecting the two cavities for communication of the feeding conducting wires (5) depicted in Figure 1.