Angled Thermoelectric Panel Elements for Smooth Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric heating and cooling systems often result in a lumpy feeling due to vertically oriented thermoelectric elements, which can cause discomfort, and lack efficient airflow and fault-tolerance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoelectric elements oriented at an acute angle within an insulating panel, combined with a spacer mesh for airflow and diodes for fault-tolerance, along with pre-expanded conductors and zoned heating/cooling configurations, addresses these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thermoelectric elements are oriented vertically to the long dimension of the panel, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to lumpy feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting thermoelectric elements at an acute angle (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the long dimension of the panel rather than vertically. This angled orientation creates an asymmetric configuration that reduces the lumpiness felt by users while preserving adequate heat transfer efficiency through the panel structure.
2Ease of operation
If thermoelectric elements are oriented at an acute angle to the long dimension of the panel, then user comfort is improved by eliminating lumpy feeling, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the acute angle orientation (specifically 30-60 degrees from the long dimension) to achieve a balance between comfort and heat transfer efficiency. Additionally, the conductor material expansion parameters are adjusted to ensure adequate thermal conduction pathways despite the angled element orientation.
3Device complexity
If conventional thermoelectric systems are used without fault-tolerance mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating diodes in parallel with each thermoelectric element during manufacturing. These diodes serve as pre-installed protective measures that automatically activate when an element fails, preventing complete system shutdown and extending operational life without requiring complex monitoring or control systems.
4Reliability
If diodes are added for fault-tolerance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting the fault-tolerance function into simple parallel diode components that can be independently added to each thermoelectric element. This modular approach allows reliability improvement without requiring complex integrated systems, as each diode operates independently and can be manufactured and installed using standard processes.
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 design enhances user comfort by eliminating the lumpy feeling, improves heat transfer efficiency through airflow, and provides fault-tolerant and energy-efficient thermoelectric systems for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a heating and cooling panel comprised of compacted conductors inside an insulating material, and expanded conductors outside the insulating material
Implementation Method 2
combined with a spacer mesh for airflow
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
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 wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.