Portable Electric Heating Mat Sealed Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric heating mats are susceptible to contamination and damage when used in harsh environments, such as waterfowl hunting, due to exposure to liquids and debris, which can penetrate and damage internal components.
Innovation Solution
A portable electric heating mat with a sealed outer sleeve that provides a reversible closure, protecting internal components like heating elements and a battery pack from the external environment, using durable materials and a waterproof design to prevent water and debris intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electric heating mat is used in harsh environments, then the mat can provide heating function, but liquids and debris can penetrate into the interior and contaminate internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a waterproof outer sleeve made of flexible material that envelops the heating element and internal components. This flexible shell prevents liquids and debris from penetrating into the interior while allowing the mat to maintain its heating function in harsh environments such as waterfowl hunting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If external components are placed on the outside of the mat, then accessibility is improved, but they are damaged by impacts, dirt, dust, sand, moisture, or liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the controller and other electronic components inside the waterproof outer sleeve, within the interior space. This nested arrangement protects these components from impacts, dirt, dust, sand, moisture, and liquids while keeping them accessible through the sealed interior, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
3Weight of moving object
If the mat is designed to be portable, then mobility is improved, but protection from harsh environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible waterproof outer sleeve that provides robust protection against harsh environments while maintaining portability. The thin-film waterproof construction protects internal components from liquids and debris without adding excessive weight, enabling the mat to be portable yet reliable in outdoor hunting conditions.
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 mat effectively isolates internal components from harsh environments, maintaining functionality even when submerged in water or exposed to debris, ensuring the heating elements remain operational and protected.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element provided in the interior of the outer sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating mat may include an outer sleeve having an interior, and an access end with an opening to the interior. The access end may be folded upon itself into a closed condition, and unfolded into an opened condition. When the access end is closed, the interior of the outer sleeve may provide a sealed enclosure. The sealed enclosure may accommodate and protect internal components, such as heating elements, a power source, and associated controls. The heating elements, associated wiring, and an insulation layer may be provided in an inner sleeve, which may be insertable into the outer sleeve as a unit. When the access end is opened, the opening provides access to the internal components. Such access allows the power source to be turned on to supply power to the heating elements.