A panel and an electrical end connector, a method for coupling of panels and a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional underfloor heating systems using warm water or electricity are inefficient in providing heat to the space above, leading to energy wastage due to heat being transported through the floor materials, and existing flooring boards with embedded heating foils face issues with power supply wear and potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly with a heat providing layer integrated into the construction, featuring an electrical end connector with a resilient portion that protrudes from the panel grooves to ensure secure and efficient electrical connection between adjacent panels, minimizing wear and preventing short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connecting means are arranged on the grooves and tongues of the quick coupling joints, then the heating function can be integrated into the flooring board structure, but the electrical connecting means will become worn out and may cause lost contact or short circuit due to small movements when pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connecting means is divided into a fixed part (arranged in the groove) and a resilient part (arranged on the tongue), allowing each part to perform its specific function - the fixed part provides stable electrical contact while the resilient part accommodates mechanical movements
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connecting means incorporates a resilient portion that can dynamically adapt to mechanical movements and pressure changes, maintaining reliable electrical contact despite the dynamic loading conditions in the flooring joint
2Ease of manufacture
If heat is created underneath the wooden floor or stone and ceramic tiles, then the heating system can be installed using traditional methods, but a large part of the created heat is lost in the opposite direction away from the space to be heated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the heat source underneath the flooring board as in traditional systems, the heating foil is inverted and placed directly within the flooring board structure, reversing the conventional arrangement to eliminate heat loss to the underside
3Ease of operation
If the electrical connecting means are arranged on the grooves and tongues, then the flooring boards can be mechanically coupled together, but the electrical connecting means experience wear and may cause short circuit hazardous due to risk of fire
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connecting means is segmented into fixed and resilient portions positioned in different locations within the joint structure, allowing the fixed part to provide stable mechanical support while the resilient part maintains safe electrical contact without exposure to wear hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the mechanical coupling function and the electrical connection function, providing a safe buffer that prevents direct contact between moving parts and electrical conductors, thereby eliminating short circuit risks
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, durable, and energy-saving heating by ensuring reliable electrical connections and minimizing energy loss, allowing for precise climate regulation in spaces with reduced installation costs and no need for external heat mats.
Implementation Method 1
a heat providing layer (102) attached to the base layer, the heat being created by electric energy
Implementation Method 2
each of the at least one electrical end connector including first (151) and second (152) end portions and an at least partly resilient portion (153) located between the first and second end portions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2e
AI summary
A panel comprising a heat providing layer is presented. The panel includes panel coupling means arranged for coupling the panel to adjacent panels. End panel grooves, at least partly extending between first and second opposite longitudinal sides of the panel, are arranged in the end panel coupling means of the panel. In order to provide heat, electrical end connectors are arranged in the end panel grooves of the panel. The electrical end connectors are arranged for being electrically connected to the heat providing layer of the panel, at least partly including an electrically conductive material, and at least partly protruding from the one or more end panel grooves, thereby providing an electrical connection between the heat providing layer of the panel and a corresponding heat providing layer of at least one adjacent panel coupled to the panel.