Ceiling-mounted radiating panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling-mounted radiating panels for heating and cooling are inefficient due to high connector counts leading to increased production costs and leak risks, are heavy and difficult to install, and have limited pipe diameter options, resulting in suboptimal energy efficiency and handling challenges.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting ceiling-mounted radiating panel with a continuous hydraulic circuit, reduced connectors, lightweight sintered expanded polystyrene support mixed with graphite, and adaptable pipe diameters, featuring sinusoidal channels and zinc-coated steel blades for easy pipe fixation and magnetic strip attachment to the ceiling frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If modular panels with plasterboard are used, then the panel structure is complete and functional, but the weight increases to 15 kilograms per square meter making them difficult to handle and install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel structure completenessVSAvoidpanel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into separate functional layers: an insulating support structure (SEP material) and a独立的plasterboard panel. This segmentation allows the heavy plasterboard to be installed separately rather than as part of a pre-assembled heavy module, reducing handling difficulty while maintaining structural completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating support structure with integrated channels and connectors is pre-assembled before the plasterboard panel is attached. This preliminary preparation of the structural framework allows for easier installation of the final panel without requiring handling of heavy pre-assembled units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple quick-coupling connectors are used to assemble modular panels, then the panels can be easily assembled, but the number of connectors increases to 120 every 80 square meters increasing production costs and leak risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly easeVSAvoidhydraulic circuit leak risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connector functions are merged into integrated connector elements that combine coupling, sealing, and alignment functions in single components. This reduces the total number of separate connectors needed while maintaining assembly ease and improving reliability through fewer potential leak points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system uses composite sealing mechanisms combining multiple sealing elements and materials within each connector to ensure leak-free connections while reducing the overall number of connectors required in the hydraulic circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If plasterboard panels are glued to the support structure, then the panel is complete and functional, but the installation becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel completenessVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure with channels and connector positions is pre-assembled and prepared before the plasterboard panel is attached. This preliminary preparation enables faster installation of the final panel without requiring time-consuming on-site construction of the structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-supporting during installation, requiring minimal adjustment and preparation work. The modular design allows panels to self-align during installation, reducing the skill level and time required for proper installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution achieves high energy efficiency, reduced installation costs, and improved handling with a lightweight design, accommodating various architectural needs and pipe diameters, while maintaining high thermal efficiency and low thermal inertia.

Implementation Method 1

a support (3) made of sintered expanded polystyrene (SEP), pure or mixed with insulating materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic circuit (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) provided in said lower surface (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3336273B1Ceiling-mounted radiating panel
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 ERREVI
  • EP3336273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3336273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a radiating panel (1) to be mounted on a ceiling (2), particularly for heating and cooling indoor spaces. Said radiator panel (1) comprises a support (3) made substantially of sintered expanded polystyrene, a pipe (12), a plurality of fixing means (10) for said pipe (12), and a frame (14) comprising a plurality of longitudinal members (13). A plurality of metallic blades (8a, 8b, 8c) is positioned stably transversely to said support (3) both for the support of said plurality of fixing means (10) and for the fixing of said support (3) to said longitudinal members (13) of said frame (14). At the outer longitudinal perimetric edges of said support (3), rabbets (18a, 18b) are cut to which a magnetic strip (19a, 19b) is stably connected, said rabbets (18a, 18b) being shaped complementarily to said longitudinal members (13) for interconnection of said support (3) to said frame (14).