Insulating Functional Body for Heating Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor and ceiling coverings with integrated heating cables face issues such as difficulty in locating and repairing defects, non-homogeneous heating, increased costs and poor thermal conductivity due to the use of pedestals, and heat loss from air gaps between the covering and subsurface.
Innovation Solution
A functional body with a heat-insulating material and integrated temperature control means, such as a heating wire, is placed under the covering, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer with minimal heat loss, and reinforced with materials like plastic or metal for increased stability, enabling thin tiles to be used without breaking under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating cables are laid on the subfloor beneath the covering, then the covering can be heated, but thermal energy is lost through air gaps between the covering and subfloor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary functional body (insulating layer with integrated heating cable) that mediates between the heating source and the covering. This functional body is made of heat-insulating material that directly contacts the covering, eliminating air gaps and directing thermal energy efficiently to the covering while preventing heat loss to the subfloor.
2Temperature
If heating cables are laid on the subfloor, then heating is provided, but defects in the pipe cannot be located and all tiles must be lifted for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating system into modular functional bodies, each corresponding to a specific covering element. Each functional body contains an integrated heating cable and insulating material, and can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows defects to be localized to a single functional body without affecting other areas, enabling easy repair by simply replacing the defective module.
3Strength
If pedestals are used to support the covering, then the covering is supported, but thermal energy is lost and only very thick coverings can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function and thermal insulation function into a single integrated functional body. The insulating material provides both structural support (replacing pedestals) and thermal insulation in one component, eliminating the need for separate pedestal elements and the associated air gaps that cause heat loss.
4Loss of energy
If thin tiles are used for better thermal conductivity, then heating efficiency improves, but the tiles increase the risk of breaking under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the functional body as an intermediary that assumes the load-bearing function, allowing the covering tiles to be thin for optimal thermal conductivity. The functional body with its insulating material provides the necessary structural support and load bearing capacity, decoupling the thermal conductivity requirement from the strength requirement.
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 allows for simple, efficient, and flexible temperature control of coverings with reduced heat loss and increased stability, enabling homogeneous heating and easy maintenance, while avoiding cold sinks and thermal insulation issues.
Implementation Method 1
A means for controlling the temperature is arranged on or in the upper side of the functional body. Thus, the temperature control means, preferably for heating or cooling, is enclosed like a sandwich between the covering and the functional body, so that the thermal energy can be transferred to the covering efficiently and with at least virtually no heat loss.
Implementation Method 2
the functional body is made of a heat-insulating material, such as foam, Styrofoam, plastic, wood fibers, rock, glass, or mineral wool, vacuum insulation panels, or the like. By selecting such a heat-insulating material, the thermal energy of the tempering agent is transferred almost entirely to the covering. Due to the poor thermal conductivity of these materials, only a small amount of thermal energy is absorbed by the functional body.
Data Source
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AI summary
The process of laying a heating line under individual covering elements in order to control the temperature of a covering is known. However, this leads to diverse disadvantages. The invention provides a functional element for a covering which can be temperature-controlled, has a high stability, and is inexpensive to produce. This is achieved in that the lower face (13) of the functional element (10) can be placed on an underlying surface and the upper face (12) can be joined to the covering (11). The covering (11) can be a floor covering for example but also a wall covering or a ceiling covering, in particular a tile, a glazed tile, a panel, or the like for use in indoor or outdoor regions. Temperature-controlling means are arranged on or in the upper face (12) of the functional element (10).