Heating Panel Electrical Contact Sealing for Moisture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiant heat systems for floors, walls, and ceilings lack safety and moisture resistance, with potential for short circuits and electrocution due to inadequate sealing of electrical connections in heating panels.
Innovation Solution
The development of heating panels with integrated electrical connecting contacts on opposing abutments, sealed by adhesive or mechanical interlocking mechanisms to prevent moisture ingress and ensure safe electrical connections, along with optional connectors and disconnectors for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connections are exposed in heating panels, then electrical connectivity between panels is achieved, but moisture resistance and safety are compromised due to potential liquid ingress causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within recesses formed in the abutments of heating panels. This nesting structure allows the contacts to be housed protected within the panel structure itself, preventing direct exposure to moisture while maintaining electrical connectivity through the recess design.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealant material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the electrical contacts and the external environment. The sealant fills and seals the recesses containing the contacts, creating a protective barrier that prevents liquid ingress while allowing the electrical connections to function normally.
2Productivity
If adhesive zones are pre-applied to abutments, then installation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive zone and sealing function are merged into a single integrated structure. The recesses that contain the electrical contacts also serve as the sealing zones where adhesive is pre-applied. This dual-function design allows the adhesive to simultaneously bond panels together and seal the electrical contacts from moisture, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment structure is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical interlocking between panels, houses the electrical contacts, contains the adhesive zone, and creates the sealing environment. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single structural element, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining installation efficiency.
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 a safe and moisture-resistant radiant heat system by ensuring electrical connections are sealed from liquids, preventing short circuits and enhancing installation efficiency with pre-applied adhesion/sealing zones and integral sealant arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
sealed by adhesive or mechanical interlocking mechanisms to prevent moisture ingress
Implementation Method 2
heating panels with integrated electrical connecting contacts... providing electrical connection to the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A floor panel having a heating element disposed therein, the floor panel having at least two abutments for operationally coupling the panel to adjacent panels. Electrical contacts are disposed on complementary abutments or abutment walls and busbars electrically couple between complementary contacts of opposing abutments such that, when adjacent floor panels are laid together to form a floor or a portion thereof, the busbars are able to feed power to heating elements disposed in the panel. The panel have sealants and/or adhesives which protect at least one contact from fluids. Also disclosed are connector bars, adapters, and switching and protection arrangements, and optional constructions for inter-panel connectors.