An electrically-powered heating panel and a method for providing a power connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sauna systems generate low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which poses health concerns, and existing methods to reduce this radiation are inadequate, particularly in terms of effectiveness and user proximity.
Innovation Solution
The design of electrically-powered heating panels with a twisted configuration of insulated conductors and a return conductor system that cancels out electromagnetic field emissions, allowing for reduced exposure to users while maintaining effective heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional power feeds with parallel conductors are used, then electromagnetic field emissions are high, but device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional parallel conductor arrangement by using a twisted pair configuration where conductors are wound around each other. This inversion of the spatial relationship between conductors creates opposing magnetic fields that cancel each other out, reducing electromagnetic field emissions from the power feed to the heating panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic field emissions into a beneficial cancellation effect. By twisting the conductors, the magnetic fields generated by current flow in opposite directions interfere destructively, transforming what would be harmful radiation into a neutral or reduced field environment.
2Productivity
If heating panels are positioned closer to users, then heating efficiency is improved, but exposure to electromagnetic radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The twisted pair power feed configuration converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic emissions into a beneficial cancellation effect, allowing heating panels to be positioned closer to users without increasing net radiation exposure. The opposing magnetic fields neutralize each other, enabling proximity placement for improved heating efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If twisted conductor configuration is used, then electromagnetic field emissions are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the twisted pair configuration, inverting from conventional parallel conductor layout. While this improves electromagnetic field reduction, the manufacturing process becomes more complex due to the twisting and positioning requirements of the conductors relative to each other.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces electromagnetic field emissions, enabling heating panels to be positioned closer to users, enhancing heating efficiency while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful radiation.
Implementation Method 1
The second insulated conductor is twisted about the first insulated conductor... in order to reduce electromagnetic field emissions generated by the power feed
Implementation Method 2
Some types of radiant heat systems employ infrared heating panels to generate electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum. When absorbed by the body of a sauna user, the infrared radiation excites the molecules within the body to generate warming.
Implementation Method 3
Saunas using electrically energized heaters have been developed. These include electrically-resistive heaters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Power feed connections and sauna heating panels include a power feed having a first insulated conductor electrically coupled to a first terminal and a second insulated conductor electrically coupled to a second terminal. The first and second terminals are electrically coupled with at least one heating element. In some cases the power feed includes a supply portion, a connection portion, and an extension portion. The extension portion has one or more conductors in a twisted configuration extending away from the first and second terminals. In some cases the power feed includes an extension conductor portion coupled to a return conductor portion in a twisted configuration. The extension portion extends away from a second terminal past a second connection point and the return portion returns back to and connects to the second connection point at the second terminal. Methods for providing power connections to heating panels are also provided.