Composite Stone Seating Unit with Embedded Resistive Heating Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture technologies lack integrated heating solutions that provide efficient and controlled temperature regulation for user comfort in varying outdoor environments, especially in cold conditions, and often require complex power management systems.

Innovation Solution

Development of a heating-capable furnishing unit incorporating resistive heating elements embedded within concrete formulations, integrated with a control module for temperature management and power distribution, allowing for localized heating and potential integration with other electrically powered elements like lighting and charging stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If resistive heating elements are embedded within concrete formulations, then heating efficiency and temperature control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is integrated directly into the concrete formulation during the manufacturing process, merging the structural component with the heating function. This eliminates the need for separate heating assemblies and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, aesthetic appearance, and integrated heating capability. The heating element embedded within the concrete creates a multi-functional component that reduces the number of separate parts needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If integrated heating solutions are implemented, then user comfort in outdoor environments is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is positioned specifically within the concrete structure where heat is most needed for user comfort. This localized heating approach provides effective warmth to the seating surface while minimizing overall power consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating of entire furniture pieces or surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical heating systems with resistive electrical heating elements embedded in the concrete. This substitution provides more efficient and controllable heating with lower power consumption compared to traditional mechanical heating methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If control modules for temperature management are integrated, then temperature regulation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature regulation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements and control modules are integrated into the concrete during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as post-processing components. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow and reduces the number of assembly steps required, despite the increased complexity of the integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides efficient and controlled heating to users in outdoor settings, enhancing comfort while minimizing power consumption and complexity through integrated, energy-efficient designs.

Implementation Method 1

heating-capable furnishing unit incorporating resistive heating elements embedded within concrete formulations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250009135A1Heating-capable seating unit with composite stone components

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 WRMTH CORP

AI summary

A seating unit includes: a seat back having a front side and a back side, the seat back constructed of first composite stone material; a seat bottom having a top side and an underside seat bottom constructed of second composite stone material; a first heating element, attached to the back side of the seat back, and configured to deliver first heating through the first composite stone material of the seat back to a user while seated in the seating unit when electrically powered; a second heating element, attached to the underside of the seat bottom, and configured to deliver second heating through the second composite stone material of the seat bottom to the user while seated in the seating unit when electrically powered; circuitry configured to facilitate delivery of power to the first heating element and the second heating element; and a drainage element having a drainage element cavity at the back end of the seat bottom.