Heatable Floor Covering With PTC Self-Regulating Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heatable floor coverings lack precise temperature regulation, leading to subjective temperature control and potential overheating, which can cause discomfort and damage, especially during temperature changes, and are not cost-effective in design.
Innovation Solution
A composite floor covering structure with an electrically heatable layer made of materials with temperature-dependent resistance, such as PTC resistors, integrated with a temperature regulation device and a polymer foam underlayer for insulation, along with printed conductive structures for even heating and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heatable floor covering with electrically conductive layer is used, then heating function is provided, but temperature cannot be precisely regulated and overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering uses the electrical resistance of its conductive layers as a self-regulating mechanism. As temperature increases, resistance increases, automatically reducing current flow and heating effect, thereby preventing overheating without external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent electrical resistance parameter of conductive materials. By designing the conductive layer with materials whose resistance changes significantly with temperature (especially near maximum permissible temperatures), the system achieves automatic temperature regulation through parameter change.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for heating and insulation, then functionality is provided, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated layers: the polymer foam base layer provides both mechanical support and thermal/acoustic insulation, while the electrically conductive layer integrated within the same structure provides both heating and temperature sensing functions through its resistance properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive layer serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the heating element, the temperature sensor (through resistance measurement), and part of the structural composite. The polymer foam base layer also provides dual functionality as both insulation and structural support.
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 precise temperature control, prevents overheating, and reduces the risk of damage while being cost-effective by using a compact, integrated design with reduced components and installation space.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically heatable layer can be made of a material with a temperature-dependent resistance, whereby an electrical current can be conducted better at low temperatures than at high temperatures. So-called PTC resistors (positive temperature coefficient) offer the advantage that the maximum temperature of the electrically heatable layer can be limited by the resistance.
Implementation Method 2
A floor covering, such as laminate, parquet, or tiles, is laid on top of the subfloor as a visible surface that also serves as a wear layer. For thermal insulation of the surface or wear layer from the subfloor and/or for acoustic insulation, a layer of impact sound insulation made of a foamed polymer is placed between the floor covering and the subfloor.
Implementation Method 3
The electrically heatable layer is preferably made of a material with a temperature-dependent resistance, whereby an electrical current can be conducted better at low temperatures than at high temperatures. So-called PTC resistors (positive temperature coefficient) offer the advantage that the maximum temperature of the electrically heatable layer can be limited by the resistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a floor covering, preferably an impact sound insulation, comprising a composite structure (1) with at least one electrically heated layer (3) and a base layer (9) with a polymer foam. The composite structure (1) is connectable to a device for controlling the temperature of the electrically heated layer (3).