Heatable covering system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underfloor heating systems are expensive and require professional installation, and existing heatable covering systems for floors, ceilings, and walls lack a simple method for electrical connection between panels.
Innovation Solution
A heatable covering system with panels featuring coupling means and electrical contact elements, allowing for easy electrical connection between panels via tongue and groove elements, with electrical heating means integrated on the underside and a power supply that can be adapted for various layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional underfloor heating systems with pipes or tubes are used, then heating function is achieved, but material costs and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipe-based heating system with an electrical heating system. Instead of using water-carrying pipes that require complex installation, the invention uses electrically conductive covering panels with integrated heating elements that can be simply laid over the floor like conventional flooring, thereby eliminating the complex mechanical installation while maintaining the heating function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flooring covering and heating system into a single integrated unit. The covering panels themselves become the heating elements through incorporation of electrically conductive materials and heating circuits, eliminating the need for separate heating infrastructure and simplifying both installation and maintenance
2Ease of manufacture
If covering panels with electrical heating means are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but electrical connection between panels becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function into a single integrated coupling element. The coupling element simultaneously mechanically joins adjacent covering panels and establishes electrical continuity between their heating circuits, thereby achieving both mechanical and electrical connection in one operation without separate wiring steps
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for joining panels, ensures mechanical stability of the flooring structure, and establishes electrical connection for the heating circuit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring and simplifies 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
Enables cost-effective, DIY-friendly installation of heatable covering systems for floors, ceilings, and walls with efficient electrical connectivity and temperature control, reducing material costs and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
electrical heating means arranged on the underside of the flooring panels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heatable covering system for floors, ceilings, and walls. The covering system comprises covering panels (10), which are equipped with coupling means at least on one longitudinal edge in order to connect the covering panels to each other, wherein the covering panels (10) are equipped with electric heating means (24) and have electric contacting means (15) in order to electrically connect the panels (10) with each other.