Grooved Screed Floor Heating Layout for Faster Pipe Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing large-area temperature-controlled floor coverings are time-consuming and costly, particularly in underfloor heating systems where pipes or hoses need to be laid and fixed by hand, and electric heating systems require electrical energy conversion, reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a screed layer with pre-formed grooves for inserting heating or cooling pipes, where the pipes are laid and fixed within the screed layer using a sealing layer, allowing for efficient and cost-effective installation without additional fastening elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pipes or hoses are laid and fixed by hand in wet underfloor heating systems, then the heating system can be installed, but the expenditure of time and money increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-forming grooves in the screed layer before pipe installation. The grooves are created in the uncured screed material, allowing pipes to be easily inserted and positioned without manual laying and fixing operations. This preliminary preparation of the screed structure significantly reduces installation time and labor requirements while maintaining proper pipe positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If grooves are cut or milled out of a solid, hardened covering to lay heating coils, then the heating system can be installed, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention reverses the conventional sequence by forming grooves in the uncured screed layer before it hardens, rather than cutting grooves into hardened concrete. This preliminary action allows the grooves to be created easily during the screed application process itself, eliminating the need for subsequent time-consuming cutting or milling operations and significantly improving installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If electrical energy is used for heating surfaces, then heating can be achieved, but electrical energy must be available and waste heat conversion reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces electrical heating systems with a hydraulic heating system using water or other fluids circulated through pipes embedded in the screed layer. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical energy conversion of waste heat, directly utilizing thermal energy from heat sources or cooling systems to heat or cool the floor surface, thereby improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables quick, efficient, and cost-effective production of large-area temperature-controlled floor coverings by simplifying the installation process and eliminating the need for electrical energy conversion, enhancing the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.

Implementation Method 1

a screed layer is formed from a moldable or flowable, granular or liquid material... After creating a corresponding layer of screed, the pipeline can be laid in the grooves of the surface profile and fixed in the screed layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSetting and hardening:

Implementation Method 2

the pipeline can be laid in the grooves of the surface profile and fixed in the screed layer by applying a sealing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2574852B1Method for producing large-scale floor heating systems and floor heating systems produced according to this method
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 ENTSORGUNGSTECHN KRAUS MARTIN E K
  • EP2574852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2574852B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP2574852B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves forming a screed layer (1) e.g. asphalt supporting layer, from a malleable or fluent granular or liquid material, where the screed layer comprises a surface profile with a groove or multiple grooves. A pipeline is moved into the grooves of the surface profile, and a closure layer is moved by covering the pipeline with a closure material. The surface profile is partially formed with the mold of the screed layer. One of the grooves is partially formed as linear grooves in a direction of an application of a floor material. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a grid module (2) a large scale, moderate temperature floor covering.