Fan heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan heaters with high power output are bulky and difficult to handle due to increased size and weight, making them challenging to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways while maintaining safe outer surface temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A compact fan heater design featuring castor wheels, a handlebar with high heat capacity, and U-shaped heating elements arranged radially around a cylindrical fan to maximize heating efficiency without increasing axial length, along with a diffuser and guiding plates to enhance airflow turbulence and heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the fan and heating elements are increased in capacity to achieve high heating effect, then the heating power is improved, but the size and weight of the fan heater increases making it bulky and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are arranged radially around the fan in a three-dimensional configuration rather than linearly in one dimension. This radial arrangement allows multiple heating elements to be positioned around the fan's circumference, increasing heating capacity without extending the axial length of the device. The diffuser further distributes heat radially outward, maximizing heating efficiency within a compact form factor.
2Power
If the fan and heating elements are increased in capacity to achieve high heating effect, then the heating power is improved, but the volume of the fan heater increases making it difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are arranged radially around the fan in a three-dimensional configuration rather than linearly in one dimension. This radial arrangement allows multiple heating elements to be positioned around the fan's circumference, increasing heating capacity without extending the axial length of the device. The diffuser further distributes heat radially outward, maximizing heating efficiency within a compact form factor.
3Power
If the power output is increased to achieve high heating effect, then the heating capability is improved, but the outer surface temperature increases creating burn and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser is positioned between the heating elements and the external environment. This diffuser serves as an intermediary that distributes the concentrated heat from the heating elements across a larger surface area, preventing localized overheating. The diffuser also directs the heated air outward, creating a thermal barrier that protects the outer casing from excessive temperature while maintaining high heating power output.
4Power
If the heating elements are arranged downstream of the fan to heat the air, then the heating function is achieved, but the axial length increases making the device bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are arranged radially around the fan in a three-dimensional configuration rather than linearly in one dimension. This radial arrangement allows multiple heating elements to be positioned around the fan's circumference, increasing heating capacity without extending the axial length of the device. The diffuser further distributes heat radially outward, maximizing heating efficiency within a compact form factor.
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 enables a high-power fan heater that is compact, easy to handle, and safe to use, with efficient air heating and reduced risk of burns or fires, while maintaining effective airflow and heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a fan, for transporting air through the fan heater from an inlet to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating element for heating the air passing through the fan heater
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fan heater for temporary heating of a building site includes a fan for transporting air through the fan heater from an inlet to an outlet. At least one heating element (12) is arranged for heating the air passing through the fan heater. The fan is a cylindrical fan and the heating element (12) is arranged to envelop the cylindrical fan at least partially.