Heating Cable Carrier Assembly With Thermal Barrier for Faster Panel Heating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric panel heating systems have relatively long heating-up times, which can be a disadvantage in quickly responding to changing temperatures, especially in spring and autumn, necessitating the need for further improvements to reduce these times without compromising long-term operation or increasing structural height.

Innovation Solution

A carrier arrangement for electric heating cables featuring a thermal barrier layer attached to the underside of the carrier layer, which redirects heat energy upwards, reducing heating-up time by up to 40% without significantly affecting long-term operation, and is designed with a height of 1 to 3 mm to maintain structural integrity and facilitate easy installation during renovation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a thermal barrier layer is added to redirect heat upward, then heating-up time is reduced, but structural height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating-up timeVSAvoidstructural height
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the thermal barrier layer thickness to a specific range (1-3 mm). This parameter optimization achieves the dual goal of reducing heating-up time through sufficient thermal redirection while preventing excessive structural height increase. The specific thickness range represents a balanced parameter selection that resolves the contradiction between thermal performance and dimensional constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If the thermal barrier layer is made thicker to improve heat redirection, then heating-up time decreases further, but the structural height becomes too great

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating-up timeVSAvoidstructural height
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes an optimal parameter range (1-3 mm) for the thermal barrier layer thickness. Within this range, the layer is thick enough to effectively redirect heat upward and reduce heating-up time, yet thin enough to avoid excessive structural height. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by identifying the sweet spot where both requirements are satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If the carrier arrangement is designed for quick heating response, then heating-up time is reduced, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating-up timeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the integrated carrier arrangement structure. The carrier layer, thermal barrier layer, and adhesion-promoting layer are combined into a single multi-layer assembly that provides structural support, heat redirection, and installation facilitation simultaneously. This merging approach reduces installation complexity compared to applying separate components, while still achieving quick heating response through the integrated thermal barrier functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier arrangement is designed with multi-functionality, where the integrated structure serves multiple purposes: structural support for heating cables, thermal barrier for heat redirection, and adhesion surface for installation. The elevations provide both cable positioning and structural integrity. This multi-functional design achieves quick heating response without significantly increasing installation complexity, as all functions are embedded in a single universal component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The thermal barrier layer significantly reduces the heating-up time of electric panel heaters by directing heat energy upwards, while maintaining a low overall structural height and ensuring secure fixation and load distribution, making it suitable for retrofitting and quick temperature response.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal barrier layer (8) is fastened to the underside (43) of the carrier layer (3)... the heat barrier layer according to the invention has the advantage that, during the heating up of an electric surface heating system, the heat energy given off by an electric heating cable accommodated in the heating cable receiving channels (5) is predominantly given off to the upper side (41) of the carrier arrangement (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3006835B1Carrier assembly for electrical heating cable of a panel heater
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 SCHLUTER SYST KG
  • EP3006835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006835B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support arrangement (1) for electric heating cables (2) of a surface heating system, comprising a foil-like support layer (3) with upwardly projecting protrusions (4) that define heating cable receiving channels (5) between them for receiving the electric heating cables (2), wherein a heat barrier layer (8) is attached to the underside of the support layer (3).