Heater slat, slat roof comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating louvres for louvred roofs are ineffective in heating the space below, particularly near the ground surface, and require expensive power sources due to inefficient heat distribution and installation challenges, especially in large areas.
Innovation Solution
A heating louvre design featuring a slot in its underside to accommodate a radiant heating element, allowing for efficient heat transfer between the louvre and the ground surface, with a centrally positioned cavity for balanced rotation and easy installation, and a seal to prevent moisture and dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cable-shaped heating elements operating on the Joule effect are used in known heating louvres, then heating function is provided, but expensive power sources are required and heat distribution to the space below is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable-shaped heating elements operating on the Joule effect with a radiant heating element that generates thermal radiation. This substitution changes the heating mechanism from conductive/convective heat transfer to radiant heat transfer, enabling more effective heating of the space below the louvred roof with reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is positioned in a cavity within the louvre structure, utilizing the three-dimensional space to optimize radiant heat distribution. The slot in the underside of the louvre allows thermal radiation to be directed downward into the space below, creating an effective heating zone without requiring expensive high-power cable systems.
2Temperature
If separate heating elements are installed on the ground or support structure, then heating function is provided, but installation is difficult and central regions below large louvred roofs are not sufficiently heated
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the louvre structure itself, merging the heating function with the existing roof component. This eliminates the need for separate installation on the ground or support structures, simplifying the installation process and ensuring uniform heat distribution across the entire covered area, including central regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is pre-installed within the cavity of the louvre during manufacturing, before the louvred roof is assembled and installed. This preliminary action ensures that the heating function is already integrated into the structure, eliminating complex field installation requirements and ensuring proper positioning for effective heat distribution.
3Reliability
If heating elements are fully surrounded by the heating louvre, then protection is provided, but radiant heat cannot effectively heat the space below the louvred roof
Solution Approach 1:
The louvre structure is segmented to include a slot in its underside, creating an opening that allows thermal radiation to escape downward. This segmentation maintains the protective enclosure while providing a controlled pathway for radiant heat to reach the space below, resolving the contradiction between protection and heating effectiveness.
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 solution provides effective heat distribution below the louvred roof, reduces power consumption, and allows for easy replacement of heating elements without dismantling the entire structure, while maintaining balance and preventing tilting issues.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is provided to heat a position between the louvred roof and the ground surface by means of radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
a seal is provided between the inner edge and the outer edge
Data Source
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AI summary
Heating louvre (11) for a louvred roof comprising at least two girders which extend parallel to each other and to which several louvres are rotatably connected between an open position and a closed position. The heating louvre (11) is provided with an underside (13). A slot is provided in the underside (13) for fitting a heating element (12) inside the heating louvre (11). After the heating element (11) has been fitted, the cavity (15) is at least partially sealed by it and the heating element (11) is provided to heat a position between the louvred roof and the ground surface by means of radiant heat. By using a slot in combination with a heating element (12) based on radiant heat, it is possible to heat the position between the louvred roof and the ground surface, as the heating element (12) is not fully surrounded by the heating louvre (11).