Foldable Heated Table Enclosure for Localized Personal Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating methods are expensive, uncomfortable, and inefficient, as they require heating entire spaces, which can be environmentally harmful and wasteful, and do not account for individual metabolic differences in temperature comfort.
Innovation Solution
A portable, adjustable table with an electrical heating system that allows for localized heating, featuring a cover to retain warmth and adjustable dimensions, with a thermostat and safety features to prevent overheating, enabling efficient and safe heating of a limited space for personal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the whole house is heated to provide comfortable temperature for all occupants, then the temperature comfort for all users is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local heating by placing heating elements specifically under the desk surface where the user sits, rather than heating the entire room. This localized approach provides thermal comfort to the user's lower body and feet while consuming minimal energy, directly resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into distinct zones: a primary heating area under the desk surface, and optional additional heating zones for feet and back. This segmentation allows the user to activate only the necessary heating zones based on individual needs, optimizing energy usage while maintaining comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the heating system is designed to provide comprehensive body heating, then the temperature comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pad serves multiple functions: it provides general seating surface heating, can be configured to heat feet areas, and can accommodate back support heating. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive body heating without requiring separate devices for each body part, thus maintaining simplicity while improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system incorporates adjustable controls that allow users to dynamically modify heating intensity and active zones based on their immediate needs. This dynamic adjustability enables the simple system to adapt to different comfort requirements without adding complex fixed infrastructure.
3Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used to warm the entire space, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating heating power in the specific area where the user sits and needs warmth, the system achieves rapid temperature increase in the target zone. This localized approach provides immediate thermal comfort without the prolonged heating time required for entire-room heating, while maintaining sufficient temperature uniformity in the occupied area.
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 provides cost-effective, rapid, and comfortable heating with minimal energy usage, allowing for easy storage and deployment in disaster areas, addressing the challenges of individual temperature needs and environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable, electrical heating means under a cover
Implementation Method 2
a source of heat that can be set up easily, warmed up quickly, uses little energy and can be stored in minimal space
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is related to the conservation of energy. The energy sources are limited and energy usage can cause environmental problems. This invention introduces a method of heating which is small and effective. In this method instead of heating the whole house which expensive and at times uncomfortable a limited heated space under a table means covered with a cover means is introduced that allows a person to warm up his/her body. Also, heating a smaller space can be done quickly and uses a limited energy, which is thus more cost-effective. This unit is designed to fold to a smaller unit for easy storage. In this method, an adjustable table means holds an electrical heating means under a cover and allows the person to use that limited space as heating source. The heating means has its control means and thermostat in order to keep the temp in a desired level. The table is very versatile and allows its dimensions to be changed easily so that the user has the option of choosing a size that fits its need. The unit also provides means for sitting and holding the feet comfortably. The unit also introduces a cover and a heating means for the user's back. This unit allows the persons to have a source of heat that can be set up easily, warm up quickly and to use minimal energy. It can also be stored in a very small space. The use of these units can be life saving in man made or natural tragedies in cold weather.