Heated Glove Liners Version 3.5 - 9V USB C Optimized
Introduction: Heated Glove Liners Version 3.5 - 9V USB C Optimized
This is a variation on my version 3 heated glove, but designed to be powered by a USB C power bank supplying 9V along with a DIY controller to vary output between 0 and 100%. The higher voltage reduces the current drawn by each glove so I am able to run both gloves from a single battery. The higher voltage also allows a single heat loop to be used instead of 2 parallel ones further simplifying construction.
For my previous projects I reused a power supply and controller from another heated product, so finding something similar to complete a project could prove difficult. However this new version using a USB C power bank should make it easier to pick a battery. Plus that battery can be used for other purposes when not needed for heating.
In practice I've found it is best to keep the battery and controller inside a jacket and run extension cables down the sleeves. Having the battery and or controller located near the glove is cumbersome. At the bottom of this Instructable I've included some comments about experience using this version of the glove for a few months this winter.
* To reduce clutter in this tutorial the carbon fiber soldering technique is described in a separate Instructable Working With Carbon Heat Rope.
The final product a pair of thin liners with battery powered heat delivered to all 5 digits that you can slide into your favorite outer glove! The heat is generated from carbon fiber rope attached a liner of your choice.
Supplies
Items you may need to order along with links to sample items:
* Carbon Heat Rope: Approximately 1 meter (might as well get extra incase you run into a problem)
* Liner Glove of your choice
* Construction steps will make the gloves slightly smaller inside, so it is best to choose a liner that isn't super tight
* 24 AWG Highly Flexible Silicone Covered Hookup Wire
* Double Sided Fabric Tape
* This comes in sheets and rolls. I find the sheets easier to use since they have backing on both sides making them easier to cut. 98
When cutting the rolled tape it sticks to scissors. The roll tape pieces also curl before sticking them down.
* Liquid Electrical Tape
* Thin polyester fabric (a thin poly spandex blend with some stretch, prices vary wildly but a local fabric store should have something on sale, remnants, etc. I've just been cutting up an old pair of stretch thermal underwear or bike shorts)
* USB Type C Power Bank that supports Power Delivery (PD) 9V 2A or greater.
* E6000 clear adhesive: I prefer the 2oz size with the tapered nozzle.
* 3.5 x 1.35 mm DC Barrel Connector Male (4)
* 3.5 x 1.35 mm DC Barrel Connector Female (4)
* Mini PWM Motor Controller / LED Dimmer
* USB Type C PD Trigger 9V (many listings have several voltages to choose from)
* Short USB Type C cable
* LED & Resistor (I used a red LED and 56 ohm resistor https://ledcalculator.net)
* 22 AWG silicone parallel conductor wire (for extension cables)
* Polyimide (Kapton) tape
Tools:
* Soldering iron and solder
* Solder flux
* Pliers
* Small wire snips
Optional Tools:
* Grabber test leads
* 3rd hand soldering clamp
* Multimeter that can measure current (amps)
* Multimeter temperature probe
Step 1: Overview & Design Considerations
This project involves attaching carbon fiber heating loops and electrical connector to a pair of gloves. Power is supplied via extension cables run down the sleeves of a jacket. Since we are creating an electronic circuit the carbon fiber cannot cross itself.
* Gloves are turned inside out
* Heating loops are prepared by attaching wires to carbon fiber rope
* Heating loops are attached to glove using double-sided fabric tape and a cover fabric
* Power plug and power cable added.
* Extension cables built
* Controller Assembled
Heat
The heat produced by the carbon fiber rope rapidly increases as the length decreases so you need to be careful to avoid making a heating loop that is too short otherwise dangerously hot temperatures can be achieved.
Voltage also affects how hot the heating loops will get. The instructions provided here assume a 9V is used. Heating loop lengths would need to be shortened if using a 5V USB power bank and lengthened if using higher voltages. The charts on this page can be used as reference: https://www.carbonheater.us/temperature.htm
A power controller should be used to limit the peak temperature rather than connecting a glove directly to a battery unless the glove is designed with a low peak heat. 98