Heating Element Control for Safe Surface Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating devices struggle to maintain the outer surface temperature within safe and comfortable limits for users, especially when used in varying environmental conditions or when exposed to open air, due to integrated temperature sensors measuring internal temperatures rather than surface temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a system that adjusts the heating element's temperature based on the energy provided, using a combination of energy meters, time counters, and temperature sensors to maintain the outer surface temperature within predetermined limits, ensuring safety and comfort by dynamically adjusting the temperature in response to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an integrated temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the heating element, then the temperature control is simple and reliable, but the outer surface temperature cannot be accurately maintained within safe limits under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a timing device and energy calculation mechanism. This intermediary calculates the energy supplied to the heating element over time and uses this information to infer and control the outer surface temperature, rather than directly measuring it. This mediator approach allows accurate surface temperature control without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional direct temperature measurement approach with an energy-based calculation system. Instead of using complex thermal sensors to directly measure surface temperature, the system substitutes a calculation method based on energy input and time parameters to determine and control the surface temperature, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
2Productivity
If the heating element temperature is kept constant, then the heating performance is stable and efficient, but the outer surface temperature may exceed safe limits in certain environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by continuously adjusting the heating element temperature based on calculated energy input and time parameters. Rather than maintaining a constant temperature, the system dynamically modifies the heating element temperature to ensure the outer surface remains within safe limits while optimizing heating efficiency under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the system calculates the energy supplied to the heating element, monitors the elapsed time, and uses this information to adjust the heating element temperature. This feedback loop ensures that the outer surface temperature is continuously controlled within safe limits while maintaining optimal heating performance.
3Reliability
If the timing device reduces temperature after a predetermined time, then safety limits are met, but the heating performance deteriorates and user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from time-based temperature reduction to energy-based temperature adjustment. Instead of reducing temperature after a fixed time period regardless of conditions, the system adjusts temperature based on the calculated energy input and actual thermal state, maintaining safety compliance while preserving heating performance and user comfort.
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 system effectively maintains the outer surface temperature within safe limits, providing efficient heat transmission while ensuring user safety, even in open air conditions, by dynamically adjusting the heating element's temperature based on energy usage and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element (2) positioned within said main body (1)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heating device comprising a main body able to house in its interior at least one heating element, wherein said heating device comprises means to adjust the temperature TR of such a heating element, characterized in that the heating device further comprises a system F able to determine the possible variation of the temperature TR of the heating element 2 according to the amount of energy provided to the heating element. The present invention relates in particular to a heating device such as heating pads, electro-blankets, heating mats and the like. The present invention further relates to a method for possibly vary such temperature TR of the heating element. This way the heating device is capable of maintaining the temperature of the outer surface of the heating device within predetermined limits of efficiency and safety to the user.