Infrared Heating Panel Layout for Low-EMF Sauna Heating
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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 and often ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The design of infrared heating panels with electrically insulative substrates and dual power buses, where heating elements have segments that generate electromagnetic fields that counteract each other, reducing overall low-frequency radiation levels while maintaining infrared radiation for heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional infrared heating panels are used, then infrared radiation for heating is generated, but low-frequency electromagnetic radiation levels become high (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 counteract each other, reducing the overall low-frequency electromagnetic radiation while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the heating element segments to generate counteracting electromagnetic fields before the harmful radiation can affect users. The opposing current directions in adjacent segments create opposing electromagnetic fields that cancel each other out, preventing high radiation levels from developing.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If distance from the emitting source is increased to reduce radiation, then low-frequency electromagnetic radiation exposure is reduced, but heating effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial effect by using the same heating elements to generate counteracting fields. The segments are arranged and energized to create opposing electromagnetic fields that cancel each other, transforming the harmful radiation problem into a solution that reduces exposure while maintaining heating effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If shielding is added between the human body and the emitting source, then low-frequency electromagnetic radiation is reduced, but the effectiveness of the heating source is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful low-frequency electromagnetic radiation component by using counteracting field generation from the heating elements themselves. Rather than adding external shielding that would block both harmful radiation and beneficial heat, the solution removes the harmful component through electromagnetic field cancellation while preserving the heating function.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If exposure time is reduced to lower radiation exposure, then low-frequency electromagnetic radiation exposure is reduced, but heating effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of electromagnetic field generation by configuring the heating element segments to produce counteracting fields. This parameter change reduces the low-frequency electromagnetic radiation levels while maintaining the infrared heating effectiveness, allowing for longer exposure times without increasing radiation exposure.
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 electromagnetic field levels to as low as 1.0 milligauss near the heating panels, allowing for closer proximity and increased effectiveness without adverse radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
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 strip of an electrically resistive material adapted to emit infrared radiation in response to the flow of the first current
Implementation Method 3
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
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
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.