Hand held circular heating elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat guns used in construction for separating waterproofing membrane layers provide non-uniform and time-consuming heating, making it difficult to efficiently remove specific areas or shapes of the outer layer without damaging the membrane.
Innovation Solution
A handheld circular heating element with a tubular handle, electrical supply, on/off switch, and a concentric spiral heat-emitting burner that provides uniform heat to a pre-determined area, allowing precise and efficient separation of the outer layer from the inner layer of a two-piece waterproofing membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat gun is used to provide heat for pre-warming the membrane, then the membrane can be heated and layers can separate, but the heating is non-uniform and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into multiple independent heating zones arranged in a circular pattern, each zone capable of heating a specific sector of the membrane simultaneously. This divides the heating task into parallel segments, achieving uniform heating across the entire area while reducing total time compared to a single heat gun moving sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating elements are merged into a single circular array structure that functions as one integrated heating device. The combined effect of all heating zones provides comprehensive, uniform heat distribution across the membrane surface in a single operation, eliminating the need for sequential heating passes.
2Area of stationary object
If a heat gun is moved around the area to heat large membrane areas, then the entire area can be heated, but the process is time-consuming and produces non-uniform results
Solution Approach 1:
The circular heating element is divided into multiple angular segments that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows different portions of a large membrane area to be heated simultaneously across multiple zones, dramatically increasing productivity compared to a single heat gun moving across the entire area sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device transitions from linear/point heating (heat gun) to areal/circular heating by arranging heating elements in a two-dimensional circular pattern. This dimensional change enables simultaneous heating of a much larger area, improving productivity while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the expanded heated zone.
3Manufacturing precision
If a heat gun is precisely moved to remove a specific area or shape, then precise control is achieved, but the process takes longer time
Solution Approach 1:
Individual heating zones within the circular array can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the specific removal pattern needed. This local control allows precise targeting of specific areas or shapes by enabling only the relevant heating segments, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring sequential movement of a single heat gun across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired heating pattern can be pre-configured by selecting which heating zones to activate before the heating process begins. This preliminary setup of the heating pattern eliminates the need for continuous adjustment and movement during heating, reducing time while maintaining precision for specific area or shape removal.
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
Enables quick and uniform heating of specific areas, reducing the risk of membrane damage and minimizing additional patching costs by allowing precise removal of the outer layer, thereby effectively sealing the membrane around protruding steel studs.
Implementation Method 1
The heat-emitting burner is plugged into the receptacle, which provides the electricity necessary to heat the heat-emitting burner
Data Source
AI summary
A device that is a handheld circular heating element for use in the construction industry is described. Specifically the device is useful for applying heat uniformly to a two-piece membrane for separation of the outer layer to allow the inner layer to be exposed. The device includes a handle, an electrical supply, an on/off switch and a heating element. The device uses electricity to heat the heat-emitting burner of the heating element, which is then placed next to the membrane. As the membrane is warmed, the two layers of the membrane are able to be separated, which exposes the inner membrane.