Flexible Animal Heating Bag With Bite-Resistant Cable Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for animals, such as heated kennels, are bulky, difficult to move, pose safety risks due to electrical hazards, and lack versatility and ease of transport.
Innovation Solution
A heating device comprising a bag with a thermally insulating first layer and a second layer with studs supporting a heating cable, covered by bite-resistant material, ensuring compact size, safety, and ease of transport, while using a thermally insulating and antibacterial padding for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heated mat with electrical cable is used in conventional heated kennels, then heating function is provided, but the device becomes bulky and occupies considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into a flexible heating element (self-regulating heating cable) that can be laid in serpentine pattern within a thin mat structure, allowing the heating function to be distributed across a compact, foldable form factor rather than requiring a large rigid enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The heating cable is embedded within a flexible mat made of layers including bitumen, geotextile, and protective coating, creating a thin, bendable heating element that can be rolled or folded for storage and transport while maintaining heating capability
2Temperature
If conventional heated kennels are designed with adequate heating capacity, then animals are kept warm, but the devices become difficult to move and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The mat structure transitions from a static rigid kennel design to a dynamic flexible configuration that can be easily deployed, rolled, and stored, allowing the same heating capacity to adapt to different spatial requirements and transport needs
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mat can be rolled or folded into a compact form that nests within a small storage container or bag, enabling portable transport while maintaining the full heating surface area when deployed
3Temperature
If electrical cables are exposed in heated mats, then heating function is achieved, but animals may gnaw on them causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The heating cable is isolated from animal contact by intermediate protective layers including bitumen coating, geotextile fabric, and a protective wear layer, creating a barrier that prevents gnawing while allowing heat to conduct to the animal through the thermal pathways in the mat structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mat uses a composite multi-layer structure combining bitumen (heat conduction and protection), geotextile (mechanical strength and bite resistance), and protective coatings to create a material system that conducts heat effectively while resisting animal gnawing
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional heated kennels use simple heating elements, then manufacturing is easy, but overload or short circuit can cause fires and electric shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The self-regulating heating cable incorporates a feedback mechanism where the heating output automatically adjusts based on ambient temperature and thermal conditions, reducing power consumption when warm and preventing overload conditions that could lead to fires or electric shocks while maintaining simple installation
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 device provides a compact, safe, and versatile heating solution with uniform heat distribution, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and facilitating easy transport and use.
Implementation Method 1
a heated mat, i.e. a mat inside which is an electric wire of suitable resistance which, when powered, heats up and emanates heat owing to the Joule effect
Implementation Method 2
a first layer (12), which is at least thermally insulating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heating device (10), particularly for animals, comprising a bag (1), inside which a heating module (11) is placed which in turn comprises: - a first layer (12), which is at least thermally insulating, - a second layer (13), which comprises a base (14) from which studs (15) extend which are directed toward the first layer (12) and which define interspaces between them for the laying of - at least one first electrical cable (16) or at least one heating tube.