Heating mat for a surface heating system, surface heating system for heating a room of a building and method for producing a heating mat for a surface heating system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underfloor heating systems for buildings are complex to install, particularly in rooms with non-standard geometries, requiring skilled labor and increasing installation costs, and often result in uneven heat distribution.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, pre-assembled heating mat with a planar electric heating element and support elements that can be easily laid across a surface, allowing for simple installation and customization to fit room geometries, combined with integrated detection means for event monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If water-based underfloor heating systems are used, then heating coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into modular heating mats that can be independently installed and connected. Each mat contains pre-arranged heating elements, allowing the system to cover large areas through simple modular assembly rather than complex custom pipe laying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements, connection paths, and modular structure are pre-assembled during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex on-site installation work, as installers only need to lay the mats and connect them according to simple guidelines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If electric cables are laid for underfloor heating, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstaller skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pre-segmented heating mats with fixed cable patterns rather than continuous cables that require precise laying. This segmentation maintains adaptability to different room layouts while eliminating the need for skilled cable arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating mats are designed to be self-contained units with pre-determined cable paths and connections. The mats automatically adapt to room geometries through simple cutting or arrangement, eliminating the need for installer expertise in cable routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional underfloor heating systems are installed, then heating functionality is provided, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All heating elements, connections, and structural components are pre-assembled into complete functional units during manufacturing. This preliminary action reduces installation to simple mat placement and connection, dramatically cutting installation time while maintaining full heating functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple components (heating elements, support structures, insulation layers, and connection points) are merged into single integrated heating mats. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate installation steps for each component, reducing overall installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates cost-effective installation with reduced on-site time, ensures uniform heat distribution, and enhances functionality by providing both heating and monitoring capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electric heating element (20) for emitting heat, wherein the electric heating element (20) is arranged on the first base (11.1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3755950B1Heating mat for a surface heating system, surface heating system for heating a room of a building and method for producing a heating mat for a surface heating system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 ARDEX GMBH
  • EP3755950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3755950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3755950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating mat (4) for a surface heating system (1.1), particularly for heating a room (101) of a building (100), comprising a flexible base unit (10) that has a first carrier element (11) with a planar extension and a first main side (11.1) and a second main side (11.2), and at least one electric heating means (20) for discharging heat. The invention further relates to a surface heating system (1.2) and to a method (200) for producing a heating mat (4).