WO2016185389A1

WO2016185389A1 - Thermal sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2016185389A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052883
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashish Kumar Rohilla
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-21
Filing date: 2016-05-18
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-21
Also published as: IN2015DE01435A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that can maintain a required thermal condition of an object for a period of time. The apparatus comprises a thermal sheet having thickness nearly same as a blanket and incorporates a pipe to circulate a fluid. The thermal sheet can be used in combination with a Thermal Energy Reservoir (TER) that can be configured with a thermally insulated chamber to hold a thermal reservoir substance kept in the thermally insulated chamber. A pump can circulate the fluid through a second pipe placed in the thermally insulated chamber and thereafter through the pipe in the thermal sheet. A hot reservoir substance (heat source) can provide heating effects and a cold reservoir substance (heat sink) can likewise be used to provide a cooling effect. Thus the thermal sheet has the capability to keep a body at a required thermal condition (high or low temperature) for a period of time.

Description

THERMAL SHEET

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of heating or cooling appliances. In particular it pertains to a thermal sheet that can be selectively heated or cooled for medical or therapeutic treatment of human body or maintaining other objects at desired temperature.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art

[0003] It is usual for people to keep themselves and/or other objects protected or comfortable from extremes of temperature by various means. The need is especially more pressing for those having physical infirmities such as sick, old or infants and in factories/workshops where attaining and/or maintaining thermal conditions is very vital. Accordingly during extreme low temperature conditions stoves, electric heaters, and other warn- keeping apparatus are used for the sick persons, the children, the old persons etc. or even by able bodied persons and to keep machinery/equipments at a desired thermal condition. Likewise during hot conditions air conditioning is used. While use of devices like stoves that depend on direct burning of fuel are harmful on account of harmful gases, devices, both cooling as well as heating, that depend on electricity are expensive and costly to operate. They are also harmful for environment due to consumption of disproportionately large amount of energy. Besides such devices though quite effective are not likely to be available outdoor or in remote locations.

[0004] It would, therefore, be advisable to reduce our dependence on air conditioners and heaters to the extent possible by substituting them with some suitable device wherever possible. Heating blanket/pad/bed spread are some such devices commonly used during extreme cold temperature conditions.

[0005] There is however no such device that can be used during hot/high temperature conditions. It would, therefore, be advantageous if a sheet like device that can be used during both high and low temperature conditions, is made available. Such a device can reduce our dependence on heaters and air conditioners, reduce energy consumption and at the same time shall be available for use in outdoor and remote locations.

[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be used for both heating and cooling applications to reduce dependence on heaters and air conditioners.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be used for both heating and cooling applications with minimum changes.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that consumes very less amount of external energy.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that has capability to keep a surface/body at a required thermal condition (high or low temperature) over a period of time.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be manufactured in different sizes and shapes, thereby making it versatile in application.

SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of present disclosure relate to a thermal sheet that has capability to keep a surface/body at a required thermal condition (high or low temperature) for a period of time. In an aspect the disclosed thermal sheet maintains the desired temperature with a very low consumption of external energy and can be manufactured in various shapes, can have thickness nearly same as of a blanket and is easy to wrap around and use. Therefore the disclosed thermal sheet is quite versatile and can be configured to for use by human beings for medical or therapeutic treatment of human body or for protecting other objects from extreme temperature conditions or to attaining and/or maintaining them at desired thermal conditions. Those conversant with art shall appreciate that such an apparatus can have applications in industry as well.

[0017] In an embodiment, the same sheet can be used both for heating and cooling applications. In an aspect the disclosed thermal sheet can be used in combination with a Thermal Energy Reservoir (TER) that can be configured with a thermally insulated chamber to hold a thermal reservoir substance kept in the thermally insulated chamber. A hot reservoir substance (heat source) can provide heating effects and a cold reservoir substance (heat sink) can likewise be used to provide a cooling effect.

[0018] In an embodiment, the disclosed thermal sheet can be configured so that it can be connected to different T.E.R. boxes for different applications such as heating application or a cooling application. Likewise, different thermal sheets can be connected to a T.E.R. box. The connecting pipes can be of any length and flexibility depending on the necessity.

[0019] In an embodiment, heat transfer between the thermal sheet and hot/cold reservoir substance can take place through a fluid circulating in a pipe/pipes placed in the Thermal Energy Reservoir and the thermal sheet.

[0020] In an embodiment, the T.E.R. box can further comprise a pump to facilitate circulation of the fluid through the Thermal Energy Reservoir and the thermal sheet.

[0021] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the thermal sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the thermal energy reservoir incorporating a pump assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the thermal sheet along with the thermal energy reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0030] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [0031] Embodiments of present disclosure relate to a thermal sheet that has capability to keep a surface/body at a required thermal condition (high or low temperature) for a period of time. In an aspect the disclosed thermal sheet maintains the desired temperature by drawing heat from a source or dumping heat in a sink depending on the operating requirement.

[0032] In an embodiment, the medium that works as a heat source or as a sink can be stored in a thermal energy reservoir. The thermal energy reservoir can be thermally insulated to conserve the stored heat/maintain low temperature of the heat source/heat sink.

[0033] In an embodiment, heat transfer between the thermal sheet and hot/cold reservoir substance can take place through a fluid circulating in a pipe placed in the Thermal Energy

Reservoir and the thermal sheet.

[0034] In an embodiment, a pump can facilitate circulation of the fluid through the pipe placed in the Thermal Energy Reservoir and the thermal sheet. In an aspect the pump can be electricity driven and require very low external energy to maintain the desired condition (hot/cold) of the thermal sheet.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1 wherein an exemplary thermal sheet 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The sheet can be made of a suitable material such as but not limited to foam and fiber composite material with a filler material and with a pipe 102 placed within the thermal sheet 100 in a pattern such as parallel pattern with both ends of the pipe 102 slightly extending out of the sheet 100. The size of the sheet 100 can vary depending on the required end use. The foam and fiber composite material can provide a good cushion, trap the filler material in the pores and provide some protection to the pipe 102. In an embodiment, one side of the sheet 100 can be configured to be thermally insulating to prevent heat transfer and maintain the temperature of the object covered by the sheet 100 and other side i.e. the side facing the object, can be thermally conducting to enable quick and efficient heat transfer between the object and the medium within the pipe 102. The pipe 102 can be of a thin bore pipe with optimized dimensions for maximum heat exchange. The filler material can have desired properties such as high specific heat, high thermal strength and chemically inert with material of the pipe 102 and foam and fiber composite and its structure can be but not limited to granular, powder or flakes. The material of the pipe 102 can have other desired properties such as high thermal conductivity, high thermal strength, flexibility, high structural strength and resistance to corrosion. [0036] In an aspect, the disclosed thermal sheet is quite versatile and can be configured to for use by human beings for medical or therapeutic treatment of human body or for protecting other objects from extreme temperature conditions. Those conversant with art shall appreciate that such an apparatus can have applications in industry as well.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the thermal energy reservoir 200 incorporating a pump assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal energy reservoir box (TER box) 200 can comprise a thermally insulated chamber 202 that can contain a thermal reservoir substance. The insulated chamber 202 can be insulated such a way that there is minimal heat transfer between the thermal reservoir substance and outside atmosphere. In an aspect, capacity of the thermally insulated chamber 202 can depend largely on the size of the thermal sheet 100 along with which the thermally insulated chamber 202 is to be used as also time period for which the object covered by the thermal sheet 100 is to be maintained at desired temperature.

[0038] In an embodiment, there can be a pipe 204 routed through the inside of the insulated chamber 202 with two ends 206 of the pipe 204 extended out of the insulated chamber 202. It can also have a pump 208 configured with one end of the pipe 204. The pump 208 can be a peristaltic pump to prevent any leakage on account of mechanical/sealing failure. The dimensions of the pipe 204 can be such that there is maximum heat transfer between the pipe 204 and the thermal reservoir substance kept inside the insulated chamber 202. The material of the pipe 204 can have desired properties such as high thermal conductivity, high thermal strength and resistance to corrosion. The pump 208 can ensure uninterrupted circulation of a fluid through the pipes 204. The pump 208 and the insulated chamber 202 can be housed in an enclosure forming the T.E.R. Box 200. There can be a wire with a plug at its end which can be plugged to mains to meet power requirement to run the pump. In an embodiment the power can also be used to maintain the thermal energy reservoir at a desired temperature.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the thermal sheet along with the thermal energy reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal sheet 100, the T.E.R. Box 200 and thermally insulated connecting pipes 302 and 304 can together make a complete usable set of the disclosed apparatus. One end of the pipes 302 and 304 can be connected to the ends 206 of the pipes 204 extending out of T.E.R. Box 200 and the other end can be connected to the ends of the pipe 102. Thus the pipes 102, 204, 302 and 304 can form a closed loop of a continuous channel through which thee fluid can be continuously circulated with help of the pump 208. The fluid flowing through the channel of these pipes can have the desired properties such as low viscosity, high specific heat, large latent heat of fusion and vaporization (to avoid the fluid from freezing or boiling inside the pipes).

[0040] With reference to FIG 3, if a surface/body has to be maintained at a low temperature, a heat sink can be used as a thermal energy reservoir. Heat sink can be attained by keeping a very cold substance in the insulated chamber 202 of the T.E.R. Box 200. Ice, cold water, dry ice, liquid Nitrogen, liquid Helium are some such examples and a suitable medium can be chosen depending on the requirements such as temperature to be maintained, duration for which such lower temperature is to be maintained to name a few. Alternatively it is also possible to keep the reservoir substance at a low temperature by electrically operated means.

[0041] In an aspect, the rating of the insulation that thermally protects the insulated chamber 202 can depend on the nature and temperature of the substance stored in the insulated chamber 202. The fluid in the pipe 102 can take heat from the body in contact with the sheet. Filler material in the pores of the sheet can be maintained at a low temperature by the circulation of cold fluid. The filler material would provide a gradual constant cooling to the body in contact with the sheet. Fluid circulating in the pipes can take heat from the sheet and deliver it to the heat sink.

[0042] On the other hand, if an object has to be maintained at a high temperature, a heat source can be used as a thermal energy reservoir and stored in the insulated chamber 202. Heat source can be achieved by keeping a hot substance in the T.E.R. Box 200. The fluid can take heat from the thermal energy reservoir. Hot water, hot coal, an electric kettle (electrical heating) etc. are some such examples and a suitable medium can be chosen depending on the requirements such as temperature to be maintained, duration for which such higher temperature is to be maintained to name a few. Filler material in the pores of the sheet can be maintained at a higher temperature. The filler material would provide a gradual constant heating to the body in contact with the sheet 100. Heat can be collected from the heat source and can be delivered to the body in contact with the thermal sheet 100.

[0043] In an aspect, the equipment can be engineered to meet requirements of specific applications such as in a car, in hospital, in bedroom etc. and the parameters that can be engineered are size of the sheet 100, capacity of the T.E.R. Box 200, the medium for heat sink/source depending on the operating conditions which includes temperature to be maintained and duration for which that temperature is to be maintained. In an aspect, ambient temperature/ surrounding temperature can also be an important parameter.

[0044] In an aspect, the disclosed equipment can be used for both heating as well as cooling applications simply by changing the thermal reservoir substance kept in the thermally insulated chamber 202. A hot thermal reservoir (heat source) can provide heating effects and a cold thermal reservoir (heat sink) can provide a cooling effect. In another aspect, various aggregates of the equipment can be interchangeable and used without any changes depending on requirement. The same thermal sheet 100 could be connected with different T.E.R. Boxes 200 for different applications. Alternatively different thermal sheets 100 could be connected to the same T.E.R. Box 200. Further the connecting pipes 302 and 304 can of different lengths and flexibilities in accordance with requirement. Thus the disclosed equipment can be economical to maintain as only the damaged part could be repaired or replaced without disturbing the other parts.

[0045] In an aspect, both initial and operating costs of the disclosed equipment would be much lower than that of other methods such as heaters and/or air conditioners, and would not pose any danger to health or the environment. It would also save a lot of energy. Thermal sheets can be used as seat covers for cars or can be placed under the bed sheet to give a comfortable sleep. It can also be used as a heating or a cooling pad in various domestic (to maintain an appliance at a desired thermal condition) and industrial applications (to maintain machinery/equipments at a desired thermal condition). It can also be used for many medical purposes like providing a hot/cold pack on a body part. One major benefit of thermal sheet would be that the same equipment could be used for various applications..

[0046] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be used for both heating and cooling applications to reduce dependence on heaters and air conditioners.

[0048] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be used for both heating and cooling applications with minimum changes.

[0049] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that consumes very less amount of external energy.

[0050] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that has capability to keep a surface/body at a required thermal condition (high or low temperature) over a period of time.

[0051] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be manufactured in different size and shapes, thereby making it versatile in application.

[0052] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that is economical to maintain as only the damaged part could be repaired or replaced without disturbing the other parts.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim -

1. An apparatus to keep an object in a required thermal condition for a period of time, the apparatus comprising:

a thermal sheet incorporating a first pipe to circulate a fluid;

a thermal energy reservoir comprising a thermally insulated chamber to store a thermal reservoir substance, a pump to circulate the fluid through a second pipe disposed within the thermally insulated chamber; and

a set of third pipes connecting ends of first pipe and ends of second pipe to complete a closed loop to enable circulation of a fluid through the first pipe and the second pipe thereby enabling heat transfer between the object and the thermal reservoir substance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal reservoir substance is a heat source.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat source is a hot substance or is electrically heated.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal reservoir substance is a heat sink.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the heat sink is selected out of group consisting of ice, cold water, dry ice, liquid Nitrogen, liquid Helium etc. or is maintained at a lower temperature with help of electricity.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal sheet is made of foam and fiber composite material with a filler material of high specific heat.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pipe and second pipes are made of a good thermal conducting material.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of third pipes is made of a thermal insulating material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pump is electrically driven.