Infrared Heating Panel Layout for Low-EM Sauna Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sauna systems generate low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which poses health concerns, and existing methods to reduce this radiation, such as increasing distance or shielding, are limited by design constraints and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of infrared heating panels with electrically insulative substrates and dual power buses, where heating elements have segments oriented in opposite directions to cancel out low-frequency electromagnetic fields, reducing overall EM field levels while maintaining infrared radiation generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional AC power sources are used to power infrared heating panels, then the heating system can generate infrared radiation for effective body warming, but low-frequency electromagnetic radiation is also generated at high levels (up to 60 milligauss)
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that are electrically connected in series. Each segment generates electromagnetic fields that cancel each other out, reducing the overall low-frequency EM radiation while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the heating element segments to generate opposing electromagnetic fields that cancel each other out before the radiation can affect the user. The alternating current flows through segments in a sequence that creates counteracting magnetic fields, proactively neutralizing harmful radiation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If shielding is added between the heating source and human body to reduce EM radiation, then low-frequency electromagnetic field levels are reduced, but the shielding undesirably reduces the effectiveness of the heating source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful low-frequency electromagnetic radiation generation from the heating system by using a segmented heating element design. Instead of adding shielding to block radiation, the design eliminates the source of harmful radiation while preserving the infrared heating function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the distance between the heating source and human body is increased to reduce EM radiation exposure, then low-frequency electromagnetic field levels are reduced, but the heating effectiveness is reduced due to greater distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial cancellation effect. The segmented heating element uses the same alternating current that generates harmful radiation to create opposing magnetic fields that neutralize each other, turning the source of harm into a solution.
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
This configuration effectively reduces low-frequency EM field levels to as low as 1.0 milligauss at two inches from the panel, enhancing safety and effectiveness by allowing closer proximity to users while minimizing exposure to unwanted radiation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the heating elements includes an elongated first segment attached to the first surface of the substrate and an elongated second segment attached to the second surface of the substrate. The first segment, and optionally the second segment, includes a strip of an electrically resistive material adapted to emit infrared radiation in response to the flow of the first current.
Implementation Method 2
a first current flowing through the heating element flows through the first segment in a first direction relative to the substrate and flows through the second segment in a second direction opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 3
The second segment is positioned opposite from and in a parallel arrangement with the first segment. In addition, the first and the second segments are electrically connected in series such that a first current flowing through the heating element flows through the first segment in a first direction relative to the substrate and flows through the second segment in a second direction opposite the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
Infrared heating panels are provided with an electrically insulative substrate that carries one or more infrared heating elements. Each heating element includes an elongated first segment attached to a first surface of the substrate and an elongated second segment electrically connected in series with the first segment. At least the first segment is a strip of an electrically resistive material adapted to emit infrared radiation in response to a current. The second segment is attached to the second surface of the substrate opposite from and in a parallel arrangement with the first segment such that a first current flowing through the heating element flows through the first segment in a first direction relative to the substrate and flows through the second segment in a second direction opposite the first direction. Saunas, heating systems, and methods for reducing electromagnetic emissions in an infrared sauna are also provided.