Collapsible Sauna Cabin With Variable Volume and Even Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared saunas have fixed sizes and heating intensities, leading to uneven heating and increased power consumption, as well as occupying unnecessary space when not in use, while lacking flexibility for adjusting heat distribution based on user position and distance.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and expandable sauna cabin with sensors to adjust heat intensity dynamically based on user distance, body temperature, and motion, allowing for variable volume and reduced power consumption, along with EMF reduction and multi-functional use as a dryer and steam room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sauna cabin uses a fixed size and shape, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cubic feet volume of air cannot be reduced and the exterior footprint cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The sauna cabin is divided into multiple collapsible panels that can be assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a separate component that can be independently positioned, allowing the cabin to change from a compact storage configuration to an expanded functional space. This segmentation enables volume adjustment without requiring a completely different structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin structure incorporates movable joints and collapsible framing that allow dynamic transformation between different states. The panels are connected through hinges and locking mechanisms that enable the structure to transition from a small footprint storage mode to a larger operational sauna volume, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sauna cabin occupies more space, then the interior volume is larger for comfort, but the cubic feet volume increases power consumption and storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cabin volume is made dynamically adjustable so users can reduce the interior space when full sauna capacity is not needed. By collapsing the panels to a smaller configuration, the volume of air that requires heating is reduced, directly lowering the energy consumption while still providing access to the sauna when expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of cabin volume is made changeable rather than fixed. Users can adjust the expansion state of the panels to match their needs, thereby optimizing the balance between interior comfort space and energy consumption for heating the air volume.
3Temperature
If heat emitting devices are placed at fixed positions, then the device structure is simple, but hot and cold spots are created on the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat emitting devices are distributed at different positions and angles within the cabin rather than using a single centralized heater. Each heater targets specific zones, creating locally optimized heat distribution that collectively provides even overall heating. This arrangement eliminates hot and cold spots by ensuring all body areas receive appropriate heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat emitting devices are positioned asymmetrically at various heights and angles to match the typical positions and orientations of users in the sauna. This asymmetric arrangement ensures comprehensive heat coverage across different body parts regardless of user positioning, preventing localized overheating or underheating.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sauna cabin remains in expanded position, then the interior space is available for use, but the floor space occupied is maximized when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cabin is constructed from separable panel segments that can be collapsed together like an accordion when not in use. This segmentation allows the structure to reduce its floor footprint to a minimal storage configuration while maintaining the ability to expand to full size when needed, optimizing space utilization in the available floor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible panel design allows the cabin to nest into a compact form factor when collapsed, similar to a nested doll structure. The panels fold inward and stack together, reducing the exterior footprint to a small fraction of the expanded size, thereby minimizing floor space occupation during storage while preserving full interior volume when expanded.
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
Provides even heating, reduced power consumption, quicker heating times, and flexibility in size and usage, enhancing user comfort and safety while minimizing space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
infrared heat emitting devices are attached to or embedded in the walls of such enclosure for the purpose of providing heat to a person
Implementation Method 2
sensors to sense and control the intensity of each heater, providing the user more even heating... sensors are placed strategically within the sauna cabin in order to sense movement, distance and body temperature
Implementation Method 3
heat emitting elements in infrared saunas are generally attached to or embedded in the walls to provide heat to the user at a constant temperature and intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A sauna cabin enclosure comprised of two half cabins, one half being smaller than the other, such that one half can fit inside the other and can slide to contract or expand partially or fully, thereby increasing or decreasing the air volume inside and the overall external size. This cabin has infrared heating, full spectrum lighting and a steam generator. When the cabin size is reduced by means of a hand crank or a motor, the air volume inside the cabin is decreased, allowing air temperature to increase proportionally. The cabin can be compressed together to minimize required floor space.