RU198140U1 - STOP HEATING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to devices for heating the foot. A device for heating the foot, using a piezoelectric generator and an electric heating element, contains several blocks of piezoelectric generators located in different supporting areas of the foot, while each block of piezoelectric generators can contain from one to several piezoelectric elements located both in the horizontal plane and in the vertical, forming layers. The technical result is to improve the efficiency, reliability, compactness, weight, comfort and usability of the device. 9 s P. f-ly, 4 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to devices for heating the foot (IPC: A43B 7/02 - shoes with heating devices, A43B 7/04 - shoes with electric batteries, etc. heat sources, A43B 7/34 - shoes with devices for protecting the feet from heat and cold), for shoes with electrical or electronic systems (SEC A43B 3/0005), as well as for shoe insoles (MPK A43B 17/00 - insoles for attachment). The utility model can be integrated into the design of shoes or made in the form of separate insoles used in combination with any suitable shoe. The utility model is an autonomous device for heating the foot, which converts the mechanical energy released by the pressure of the foot on the lower part of the shoe into heat through the use of piezoelectric generators and an electric heating element.

The technical solution is known from the prior art, which is disclosed in patent No. US 20130247410 A1 (United States, priority dated March 21, 2012) IPC A43B 7/02 - “Heat-generating shoe” (Heat-generating shoes).

In it, as in the claimed device, mechanical energy is converted into heat by means of an electric generator and an electric heating element. But unlike the claimed device, a generator is used based on an induction coil and a magnetic core, which has a larger volume and weight than piezoelectric generators. This makes the device unsuitable for use in the insoles and makes shoes heavier. Due to the presence of movable mechanisms, the device is also less reliable. In addition, in this solution, unlike the claimed device, the generator is located only in the heel of the shoe, which makes the generation system less efficient.

Another technical solution is known, which is disclosed in patent application CN 109303374 A (China, priority dated July 26, 2017) IPC A43B 7/04, A43B 3/00 - “A kind of heating shoes with piezo-electric generating and photovoltaic power generation” (Type of heating shoes with piezoelectric and photoelectric generators).

In this device, as well as in the claimed one, a piezoelectric generator, a heating element is used, but, unlike the claimed device, an additional battery is used, a photoelectric generator located on the upper surface of the shoe, a microcontroller, an external temperature sensor, and other components. All this makes the device heavier, increases its size and reduces reliability. The use of such a device in the insoles for regular shoes is impossible. In addition, the location of the piezoelectric generator is not determined.

The closest technical solution is the device described in patent No. KR 20100092292 A (South Korea, priority 12.02.2009) IPC A43B 7/02, A43B 7/34, H05B 3/14 - “Heating device using piezoelectric ceramics and insole of shoe with the same ”(A heating device using piezoelectric ceramics and a shoe insole with this device). Taken as a prototype.

In the prototype, as in the claimed utility model, a piezoelectric generator and an electric heating element are used. However, as in other similar devices, the placement of the generator is provided only in the back of the sole. While in the claimed device, the placement of piezoelectric generators is provided in several supporting areas of the foot.

Also, this scheme implies the mandatory use of two rechargeable batteries, a diode rectifier and a smoothing filter, which together make the structure heavier, increase its volume, reduce reliability and increase cost. In addition, this decision does not provide for the shutdown of heating, if necessary.

The authors were faced with the task of creating an easy, reliable and inexpensive device for heating the foot, used as part of winter / demi-season shoes or a separate insole, which does not require consumables, external power sources, as well as special care and other additional actions on the part of the user, including including - turning the device on and off.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by images that show:

FIG. 1 - The device of the utility model;

FIG. 2 - Possible connection diagram of device components;

FIG. 3 - Projection of the foot on the components of the device;

FIG. 4 - An example of the use of a utility model in the form of insoles for shoes.

In FIG. 1 shows a layout of components of a utility model. In the front part there is a resistive heating element 1. Nearby is the front block of piezoelectric generators 2. In the rear part there is a rear block of piezoelectric generators 3.

The device may contain additional blocks of piezoelectric generators, for example, located on the outer side of the foot. In a specific implementation, such a unit is combined with the front, but can be made separate from it.

Each piezoelectric generator block may consist of one or more elements. If there are several piezoelectric generators in the block, then they can be located both in the horizontal plane (2, 3 of Fig. 1), and in the vertical one, forming a multilayer structure. The layers of piezoelectric generators can be separated from each other by insulating material.

Thanks to this structure, the efficiency of converting mechanical energy from foot pressure to electric current is significantly increased.

Paired conductors depart from the components of the device 1, 2, 3, which are connected in the control unit 4.

In the basic modification of the device, the control unit 4 contains a bimetallic type thermal relay, which closes the circuit when the temperature decreases relative to a comfortable level.

The basic modification uses components that have low sensitivity to current characteristics, so there is no need for additional rectification and current stabilization devices.

There are different connection schemes for all components of the device, as well as piezoelectric generators inside the blocks. Each specific wiring diagram is determined by the characteristics of the parts used, as well as their location. A possible connection diagram is shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3 shows the projection of the foot on the layout of the components of the utility model.

The heating element 1 is located at the level of the toes, which are most at risk of frostbite. The front block of the piezoelectric generators 2 is located at the level of the foot pads at the bases of the fingers. The rear block of the piezoelectric generators 3 is at heel level. Thus, all the main points of maximum pressure of a person’s weight on shoes are involved in the power generation system. The control unit 4 is located at the level of the inner arch of the foot. Thus, the components placed there undergo minimal deformation loads.

In FIG. 4 shows an example of using a utility model in a shoe insole. The insole has a multilayer structure: 5 - lower thermal insulation layer coated with reflective material; 6 - middle active layer that implements a utility model; 7 - upper soft layer in contact with the foot.

In addition to the basic modification of the device, there may be extended options listed below, but not limited to this list.

In another modification of the device, the control unit may further comprise a controller that allows you to adjust the temperature of the thermal relay.

In another embodiment, the device may further comprise a current rectifier, a smoothing filter and one or more batteries. In this version, the electric current generated in the piezoelectric generators is rectified and smoothed, and then used to charge the battery. Electric current from the battery, in turn, is supplied to the heating element. This version of the device can be used to heat the foot in the absence of movement.

In another modification, the device may include a socket that allows you to connect the charger to charge the built-in battery. This will allow you to use the device in conditions of prolonged lack of movement.

In another modification of the device, instead of the battery, one or more ionistors can be used. This will extend the life of the device, reduce its dimensions and ensure stability in cold conditions (relative to a conventional battery).

In another modification of the device, the heating element can be located not only in the front of the device under the fingers, but also cover the entire upper surface of the device in contact with the foot. This option is possible with sufficient efficiency of the piezoelectric generators or the use of a rechargeable battery or ionistors.

In another modification of the device, the control unit may include a radio-controlled relay that allows you to turn on and off the heating, as well as adjust the temperature remotely. For example, using a smartphone using the Bluetooth protocol.

Advantages of the utility model:

Efficiency. Due to the fact that in the utility model for the generation of electrical energy several supporting zones of the foot are involved, as well as a multilayer arrangement of piezoelectric generators is applied, the efficiency of the device is higher than that of existing solutions.

Automatic thermoregulation - turning heating on and off depending on the ambient temperature. This increases the comfort of using the device when moving a person from an open space to a heated room, with a sharp change in weather or crossing climatic zones. There is no need to disconnect the device or remove shoes.

For the basic modification is also characteristic:

Relatively high reliability of the device is the absence of movable mechanisms, rubbing parts and elements having a relatively small service life (for example, rechargeable batteries or other types of electric generators);

Compactness and lightness - the best suitability for implementation in the form of a universal insole for shoes.

Full autonomy - no need to connect external energy sources (charging devices), replaceable batteries, etc.

Lower production costs due to the absence of unnecessary components.

Disclosure and implementation of a utility model:

The first significant feature sufficient to achieve the above technical result is the use of several blocks of piezoelectric generators (2-3, Fig. 1) located in different supporting areas of the foot (Fig 3).

The second essential feature is the presence in each block of piezoelectric generators of at least one element (piezoelectric generator). If several piezoelectric generators are located in one block, then they can be located both in the horizontal plane and in the vertical one, forming layers.

The third significant feature is the presence of a resistive heating element 1, which is powered by an electric current generated by means of piezoelectric generators.

The fourth essential sign is the presence in the circuit of a thermal relay that can automatically close and open the circuit when the specified temperature is reached.

The device operates as follows.

A person, making normal movements when walking or running, alternately presses the foot first on the rear block of the piezoelectric generators located at the rear of the device 3 (Fig 3), and then transfers the center of gravity to the front block 2. Under the influence of the person’s weight, the plates of the piezoelectric generators begin to deform, in As a result, an electric charge arises on their surface. The electric current generated in both blocks of the piezoelectric generators, through the conductors through the thermal relay, is directed to the resistive heating element 1, which generates heat and warms the foot. The bimetallic thermal relay closes the circuit only at an ambient temperature lower than comfortable. Therefore, in warm conditions, the electric circuit is in the open state and heating is not carried out. Thus, automatic thermoregulation occurs.

Claims (10)

1. A device for heating the foot using a piezoelectric generator and an electric heating element, characterized in that it contains several blocks of piezoelectric generators located in different supporting areas of the foot, each block of piezoelectric generators may contain from one to several piezoelectric elements located as in a horizontal plane, so in the vertical, forming layers. 2. The device for heating the foot according to claim 1, which contains a thermal relay that allows you to control and change the temperature on / off the device. 3. A device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, in which the heating element is located in the toe region of the foot. 4. Device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, in which one or more heating elements cover the entire area of the foot. 5. Device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 1-4, in which additional components, except conductors, piezoelectric generators and heating elements, are located under the inner arch of the foot. 6. Device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 1-5, which further comprises an electric current rectifier and a smoothing filter. 7. A device for heating the foot according to claim 6, which further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. 8. A device for heating the foot according to claim 6, which further comprises one or more ionistors. 9. Device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 7 and 8, which additionally houses a socket for charging internal batteries or ionistors using an external charger. 10. Device for heating the foot according to paragraphs. 1-9, which is additionally equipped with a radio-controlled relay that allows you to adjust the temperature remotely, for example, using a smartphone using the Bluetooth protocol.

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