Methods and systems for distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling

Abstract

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material is combined with other layers for leakage current interception, bodily fluid absorption, and pillars that preserve pressure re-distribution. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling and manufactured using pre-existing automated equipment.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A thermoelectric device for heating or cooling, comprising:
 a panel comprising a substrate material that is electrically insulating, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors located at least in part inside the substrate material and expanded conductors located at least in part outside the substrate material as part of a flexible circuit, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric elements subjects a space adjacent to the panel to heating or cooling at low leakage current upon application of power to the plurality of thermoelectric elements; and   a frame adjacent to the panel, wherein the frame supports the panel during operation of the thermoelectric device to subject the space adjacent to the panel to heating or cooling.   
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising a waterproof cover disposed between the expanded conductors and a surface of the thermoelectric device. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising a top pad with reservoirs disposed between the expanded conductors. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising an airflow layer adjacent to the panel. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the airflow layer comprises a porous cover combined with a blower fan, and wherein air from the blower fan is sourced from one or more sides or edges of the porous cover and exits in multiple directions. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising a wireless power transmitter and receiver for powering the thermoelectric device. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein the substrate material is thermally insulating. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels is arranged to be selectively turned on and off to regulate cooling or heating in response to local pressure, local temperature, local body sensitivity, or combination thereof. 
     
     
         36 . A thermoelectric device for heating or cooling, comprising:
 a panel comprising a substrate material that is electrically insulating, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors located at least in part inside the substrate material and expanded conductors located at least in part outside the substrate material as part of a flexible circuit;   a matrix of support pillars adjacent to the panel, wherein the support pillars are independently moveable, and wherein the support pillars redistribute a pressure applied to a surface of the panel; and   a frame adjacent to the panel, wherein the frame supports the panel during operation of the thermoelectric device to subject the space adjacent to the panel to heating or cooling.   
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the support pillars comprise a spacer mesh, foam, fluid bladder, gel, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the matrix of support pillars is included in an air flow layer. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the airflow layer comprises a porous cover combined with a blower fan, and wherein air from the blower fan is sourced from one or more sides or edges of the porous cover and exits in multiple directions. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 36 , further comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels is arranged to be selectively turned on and off to regulate cooling or heating in response to local pressure, local temperature, local body sensitivity, or combination thereof. 
     
     
         41 . A thermoelectric device for heating or cooling, comprising:
 a panel comprising a substrate material that is electrically insulating, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors located at least in part inside the substrate material and expanded conductors located at least in part outside the substrate material as part of a flexible circuit;   a frame adjacent to the panel, wherein the frame supports the panel during operation of the thermoelectric device to subject the space adjacent to the panel to heating or cooling; and   a movable conductor in contact with an array of stationary electrodes in electrical communication with a power source, wherein the movable conductor and array of stationary electrodes provide power to the plurality of thermoelectric elements upon contact between the movable conductor and the array of stationary electrodes.   
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein a given electrode of the array of stationary electrodes is connected to the power source or ground voltage and adapted to come in contact with the movable conductor. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 42 , further comprising diodes or rectifiers for selecting which electrode of the array of stationary electrodes provides power. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the movable conductor is mounted on or adjacent to wheels of a rolling chair or rolling bed. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 41 , further comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels is arranged to be selectively turned on and off to regulate cooling or heating in response to local pressure, local temperature, local body sensitivity, or combination thereof. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the movable conductor is included in a movable conducting brush.