SEMA 2004: New 'Smart' Seat Fabric Technology Keeps Occupants Warmer in the Winter, Cooler in the Summer

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2004 -- Remember how hot and uncomfortable vehicle seats can get in summer months -- or how cold and uncomfortable they can be in winter?

That discomfort could be a thing of the past thanks to a new "smart" fabric technology that absorbs and stores excess body heat to create a cooling effect and releases it as it's needed to provide additional warmth.

Originally developed for NASA for use in space exploration and widely used in consumer products such as sportswear and bedding, Smart Fabric Technology is now being considered by automakers for use in vehicle seating as automotive interiors -- and consumer preferences -- take on increasing importance in product differentiation.

The new Smart Fabric Technology will debut at the 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Exposition Nov 2-5 in Las Vegas. Ford (booth 21001) will show the fabric on the seats of a 2005 Mustang GTR and General Motors (booth 23442) will have it on the seats of a Pontiac GTO in the automakers' respective booths.

Automotive supplier Shawmut Corporation and Outlast Technologies, Inc., which holds the patent rights on this unique application to fibers and fabrics, are collaborating to bring Smart Fabric Technology(TM) to automotive seating. In collaboration with Outlast, Shawmut developed proprietary application processes for automotive seating. Since 1994, multiple joint patents have been issued for proprietary application processes that coat fabrics and foams with PCM Thermocules(R), bringing an innovative comfort solution to the rigors of the automotive cabin environment.

Instead of relying on active controls common to most automotive seating thermal management systems today, the technology uses phase-change material (PCM), called Thermocules(R), to balance temperature. The PCM Thermocules(R) within the seat absorb and store excess heat when it is created, and releases it back to the occupant when it is needed most. This cooling and warming cycle helps keep the occupant from being too hot or too cold. By buffering temperature and humidity fluctuations, the technology automatically helps the occupant adapt to the environment and stay more comfortable.

As a result, Smart Fabric Technology provides excellent comfort control without the added cost and complexity typical of most "active" heating/cooling systems.

Developed for NASA by Triangle Research & Development, Outlast Technologies, Inc. acquired the patent rights for incorporating phase-change technology in fibers and fabrics in 1991. Since then, Outlast has developed applications for the consumer goods market and currently offers numerous products containing Smart Fabric Technology(TM) to the outdoor sports, casual apparel, footwear, bedding and accessories markets.

Shawmut Corporation, with headquarters in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, is a premier provider of engineered soft composites and trim components to the automotive interiors market.

Outlast Technologies, Inc., based in Boulder, Colorado, is the worldwide leader in phase-change materials and applications.