Directed Infrared Radiator With Nanotube Emitter and Reflector Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared heating sources are inefficient, dangerous, and require extensive time to heat up, emitting radiation across a broad spectrum and posing risks due to high electrical current and prolonged heat retention after shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A directed infrared radiator article comprising a nanostructured member for emitting infrared energy and a reflecting member to direct it, with spacers to minimize interference, utilizing carbon nanotubes or carbonaceous materials for efficient far-infrared emission and a self-standing reflective material to focus energy on a target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional infrared heating sources are used, then heating function is provided, but efficiency is low and energy is wasted across broad wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heating element by using nanostructured materials with specific optical properties that emit infrared radiation in a narrow, targeted wavelength range rather than the broad spectrum of conventional heaters. This selective emission at specific wavelengths improves energy efficiency by reducing waste across unused wavelengths while maintaining effective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite structures combining nanostructured emitting materials with reflective surfaces and spacer layers. This composite approach creates a system that selectively emits and directs infrared energy, improving both energy efficiency and heating productivity by concentrating energy where needed rather than dissipating it broadly.
2Ease of operation
If conventional infrared sources are used, then heating is achieved, but safety risks increase due to high electrical current and prolonged heat retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using low-voltage electrical current to activate the nanostructured heating element. This reduces electrical shock risk while the rapid heat-up and cool-down characteristics of the nanostructured material reduce burn risks and prolonged heat retention, improving overall safety without compromising ease of operation.
3Speed
If conventional infrared heaters are used, then heating function is provided, but thermal mass is large causing extended heat-up time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters by transitioning from bulk heating materials to nanostructured materials with significantly reduced thermal mass. This enables rapid heat-up and cool-down cycles, improving heat-up speed while maintaining the heating function, as the nanostructured elements can quickly respond to electrical activation and dissipate heat when deactivated.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional infrared sources are used, then radiation is emitted, but directional control is poor resulting in broad wavelength emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including reflective surfaces and spacer layers positioned at specific distances (e.g., half-wavelength spacing) between the emitting nanostructured material and the target. These intermediaries direct and concentrate infrared radiation in specific directions, improving directional control and reducing energy loss by focusing radiation where needed rather than allowing omnidirectional dispersion.
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 enables efficient, targeted heating with reduced thermal mass, minimizing heat retention and safety hazards, allowing for rapid warming of objects or people without heating the surrounding air, while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Heating by infrared radiation typically requires a source made hot by chemical reaction or electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
a nanostructured member configured to emit infrared energy when an electrical current is applied
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting member configured to direct at least a portion of the emitted infrared energy in a desired direction
Implementation Method 4
The thickness of the spacer may be selected to help minimize destructive interference between the infrared energy emitted from the nanostructured member and the infrared energy reflected by the reflecting member
Implementation Method 5
a nanostructured member configured to emit infrared energy when an electrical current is applied
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Articles for emitting infrared energy comprising a nanostructured member including a plurality of nanotubes, the member being configured to emit infrared energy when an electrical current is applied; a reflecting member configured to direct at least a portion of the emitted infrared energy in a desired direction for heating a remotely-situated target, and optionally a spacer situated between the nanostructured member and the reflecting member to maintain a predetermined spacing there between, the predetermined spacing selected to minimize destructive interference between the infrared energy emitted by the nanostructured member and the infrared energy reflected by the reflecting member. In alternative embodiments, a carbonaceous member may be substituted for the nanostructured member.