Electric heater and electric heating apparatus having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric heating apparatuses with plane heating elements face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution and maximizing heating area, particularly in designs where the shape and pattern of the heating elements affect the heating object's temperature variability.

Innovation Solution

The electric heater incorporates a substrate with an outer pattern part and an inner pattern part, featuring arc-shaped tracks and bridges, where the second electrode parts are located inside the outer pattern part and the first electrode parts extend outwardly, ensuring a larger heating area without invading the heating region, and the inner electrode part intersects an imaginary circle for improved current supply and reduced localized heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the plane heating element uses a simple track pattern, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heating area and temperature distribution uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating element structureVSAvoidheating area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is divided into multiple track parts (first track parts, second track parts, third track parts) with different shapes and positions. Each track part contributes to different regions of the heating area, allowing the total heating area to be maximized while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element design transitions from simple linear tracks to multi-dimensional arc-shaped tracks arranged in concentic patterns with different radii. This dimensional expansion allows tracks to cover larger areas without proportionally increasing complexity, as the arc shapes naturally distribute heating zones across the heating surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the plane heating element uses a simple track pattern, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating element structureVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Different track parts are designed with specific local characteristics: first track parts with larger arc radii for outer regions, second track parts with intermediate radii for middle regions, and third track parts with smaller radii for inner regions. This local quality differentiation ensures that each region receives appropriate heating density, achieving uniform temperature distribution across the entire heating area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating tracks are designed as arc shapes with varying radii rather than straight lines. This curvature allows the tracks to follow concentic patterns that naturally distribute heat more evenly across the circular heating area, reducing temperature variations between center and edge regions while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If electrode parts are positioned at the outer edges, then current supply is simplified, but the heating area is reduced due to electrode occupation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent supply configurationVSAvoidheating area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode parts are nested within the heating area rather than occupying the outer edges. The first electrode parts are positioned inside the outermost track parts, the second electrode parts are positioned inside intermediate track parts, and the third electrode parts are positioned inside the innermost track parts. This nesting arrangement allows electrodes to be embedded within the heating zones without significantly reducing the effective heating area, while still providing straightforward current supply paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enhances the heating area of both the outer and inner pattern parts, preventing localized heating and facilitating efficient current supply, thereby achieving more uniform and effective heating.

Implementation Method 1

An electric heating apparatus is an apparatus provided for heating, and includes an electric heater using a Joule's heat generated as current flows through a resistance wire or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an electric heater generating heat by visible light or infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation heating: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3641493A1Electric heater and electric heating apparatus having same
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3641493A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3641493A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3641493A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electric heater includes a substrate, an outer pattern part disposed on one surface of the substrate, an inner pattern part disposed on the one surface of the substrate so as to be located such that the outer pattern part surrounds the inner pattern part, and to be spaced apart from the outer pattern part. A pair of first electrodes is connected to the outer pattern part and a pair of second electrodes is connected to the inner pattern part and spaced apart from the pair of first electrodes, and the pair of second electrodes are located inside the outer pattern part.