Technology Innovations 2019
3-D Print Stretch Mesh
MIT engineers 3-D-print stretchy mesh, with customized patterns designed to be flexible yet strong, for use in ankle and knee braces. This research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation, the MIT-Skoltech Next Generation Program, and the Eric P. and Evelyn E. Newman Fund at MIT.
Wearable Cooling & Heating Patch
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a wearable patch that could provide personalized cooling and heating at home, work, or on the go. The soft, stretchy patch cools or warms a user’s skin to a comfortable temperature and keeps it there as the ambient temperature changes. It is powered by a flexible, stretchable battery pack and can be embedded in clothing. Researchers say wearing it could help save energy on air conditioning and heating.
For more information contact Sheng Xu, UC San Diego professor of nanoengineering, developed the stretchable electronics for the system.
Textile Cool or Insulates Automatically
University of Maryland, College Park Researchers have created a fabric that automatically regulates the amount of heat that passes through, depending on conditions; for example, when conditions are warm and moist — such as those of a sweating body on a summer day — the fabric allows infrared radiation (radiant heat) to pass through. When conditions become cooler and drier, the fabric reduces the heat that escapes. Infrared radiation is a primary way the body releases heat and is the focus of this new technology. REFER https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/techbriefs/materials/34915
Magna FreeForm Technology for Seats
Compared to current molded trim technologies, Magna’s FreeForm is four times more breathable. The seat trim cover technology, produced via a patent-pending process, also enables design details as precise as a 3 to 4 mm (0.118 to 0.157-in) radius versus the 20 to 25 mm (0.787 to 0.984-in) for traditional cut-and-sew. Deep draws on a seatback mean second- or third-row occupants can gain up to 4 in (102 mm) of additional knee clearance.
Seat cleaning is aided by FreeForm’s sculpted, seamless surface. “Consumers identify the small crevices between the seat bolster and insert as being very undesirable, as debris collects in these areas, which makes the seat difficult to clean,” Nardicchio said.
REFER https://www.sae.org/news/2019/07/magna-freeform-seats
Back Up Camera System
Valeo XtraVue Trailer offers an invaluable driving assistance for trailer and caravan users. The system uses video images captured from cameras located at the rear of both the vehicle and the trailer or caravan. It combines them into a single homogeneous image, allowing the driver to see, on a small screen right in front of him, everything happening behind the vehicle, rendering the trailer totally invisible. The driver can then maneuver with ease, regardless of the size of the trailer or towed caravan towed. REFER https://www.valeo.com/en/world-premiere-at-ces-2019-of-valeo-xtravue-trailer-the-invisible-trailer-system/
