Infrared Heating Panel Power Zoning for Uniform Sauna Warmth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared sauna heating systems face issues such as smoke-filled rooms and short-lived heat from open fires, and uneven heat distribution from wood stoves, while electric heaters lack deep penetration of heat into the body.
Innovation Solution
Infrared heating panels with a first and second power density zone, featuring an electrically insulative planar substrate and multiple infrared heating elements connected by first and second power buses, generating distinct power densities to create a non-linear heat profile that mitigates the 'chimney effect' and provides deeper body warming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If open fires are used for heating, then direct open-flame heating is provided, but smoke-filled sauna rooms and short-lived heat result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion system (open fire) with an electrical heating system consisting of electrically-resistive heaters and infrared heating panels. This substitution eliminates smoke generation while providing controlled, sustained heating through electrical energy conversion to thermal and infrared radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from combustion-based to electrically-based, transforming the physical and chemical parameters of the heating process. This allows for precise control of temperature, duration, and heat distribution patterns without the harmful byproducts of combustion.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If wood stoves are used for heating, then controlled heat over a greater period of time is enabled, but heat is shielded due to the enclosed nature of the stoves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple independent heating zones with separate heating elements distributed across different areas of the sauna. This segmentation allows each zone to be independently controlled and optimized, preventing heat shielding by ensuring comprehensive heat coverage throughout the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional enclosed stove heating to two-dimensional panel heating mounted on walls and ceilings. This dimensional change allows heat to radiate directly into the sauna space from multiple surfaces, eliminating the shielding effect of enclosed structures while maintaining extended heat duration.
3Ease of operation
If electrically-resistive heaters and radiant heaters are used, then controlled heating is achieved, but uneven heat distribution occurs leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different power density zones within the heating panels, with specific regions designed to provide different amounts of heat output. This local quality variation compensates for uneven heat distribution by providing targeted heating to areas that need it most, ensuring uniform overall heat distribution and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control systems that monitor temperature and heat distribution patterns, automatically adjusting the operation of individual heating zones to maintain uniform heat distribution. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent comfort levels throughout the sauna space while preserving the benefits of electrically-controlled heating.
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 effectively addresses the issues of heat distribution and penetration, providing a comfortable and efficient heating experience by creating separate heat zones with distinct power densities, reducing the 'chimney effect' and ensuring consistent warmth throughout the sauna.
Implementation Method 1
Some radiant heat systems are known to employ infrared heating panels to generate electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum. When absorbed by the body of a sauna user, the infrared radiation excites the molecules within the body to generate warming.
Implementation Method 2
Electrically energized heaters, including electrically-resistive heaters and energized radiant heaters, have also been developed and have gained popularity for their use in saunas.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of infrared heating panels are described as having a non-linear power density profile along a length of the heating panel. The power density profile can include a first power density zone and a second power density zone, each zone corresponding to an area of the heating panel having a separate power density in response to a current flow. An infrared heating panel can include multiple heating elements arranged adjacently in a row and electrically connected together by at least two power buses extending perpendicularly across the heating elements. In one example, the first power density zone is located between a first power bus and an end of the heating elements. The second power density zone can be located between the first power bus and an opposite end of the heating elements. Infrared sauna systems and methods of generating heat for a sauna are also provided.