Foamed Polymer Underfloor Convector Housing for On-Site Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underfloor convectors face practical difficulties during installation due to fixed dimensions and shapes, limiting flexibility and requiring complex adjustments to fit the floor structure, especially in leveling and length adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The use of a convector housing made from foamed polymer material, which is lightweight, stable, and offers excellent thermal insulation, allowing for on-site adjustments and easy assembly/disassembly without complex tools, along with features like inclined surfaces and ribbed structures for improved air circulation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the convector housing is made of metal or compact polymer material, then the housing is sufficiently stable, but it is more complicated to handle and adjust on the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is changed from metal or compact polymer to foamed polymer material, fundamentally changing the material parameters to achieve both stability and ease of adjustment. The foamed polymer provides sufficient structural stability while being lightweight and easily cuttable with simple tools like a sharp knife or fine saw, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of foamed polymer material represents a composite material solution that combines the benefits of light weight, thermal insulation, and ease of processing while maintaining sufficient structural stability. This material choice allows the housing to be both stable enough for construction applications and easily adjustable on-site without requiring complex tools.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the convector housing has fixed shape and dimensions, then the housing is structurally stable, but adjustments cannot be made on the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed dimensions and shape parameters of the housing are changed to allow on-site modification. The foamed polymer material enables the housing to be cut and adjusted to different lengths and configurations using simple tools, providing adaptability to various floor structures while maintaining structural stability through the material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a static, fixed-dimension component to a dynamic, adjustable component. The ability to easily cut and modify the housing dimensions on-site transforms it from a rigid fixed-form object to one that can be adapted to different installation requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the convector housing is made of heavy material, then the housing is stable, but it is difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from heavy materials (metal or compact polymer) to lightweight foamed polymer material. This fundamental material parameter change reduces the housing weight significantly while maintaining sufficient structural stability, making the housing easier to handle and install without compromising its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foamed polymer material inherently provides a counterbalance to the need for heavy materials by offering sufficient structural stability through its foam structure while being inherently lightweight. This eliminates the need to use heavy materials to achieve stability, resolving the contradiction between weight and stability.
4Device complexity
If the convector housing lacks thermal insulation properties, then the housing is structurally simple, but thermal performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The foamed polymer material serves as both the structural housing material and the thermal insulation layer, combining structural and insulating functions in a single composite material. This eliminates the need for separate insulation layers, maintaining structural simplicity while providing excellent thermal insulation performance and reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material is given multiple functions: it provides structural support, thermal insulation, and lightweight properties simultaneously. The foamed polymer material acts as both the structural shell and the insulation layer, eliminating the need for additional insulation components and maintaining simplicity while improving thermal performance.
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 solution enhances installation flexibility, stability, and thermal performance, enabling seamless integration with the floor structure and easy handling on-site, reducing installation complexities and improving overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
such a convector housing made of foamed polymer material has excellent thermal insulation properties
Implementation Method 2
the room air being sucked in, passed through a heat exchanger and then released back into the room
Implementation Method 3
the room air being sucked in, passed through a heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an underfloor convector (1) with a convector housing (2) which can be inserted into a floor structure (20) during operation, and a heat exchanger (3) arranged inside the convector housing (2) for heating or cooling air. According to the invention, the convector housing (2) consists of foamed polymer material or polymer foam.