Interconnectable Heating Blankets with Modular Power Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating blankets are inefficient in applying heat only to specific areas, often requiring multiple blankets or taping together, which leads to heat loss and increased costs due to the need for custom sizes and shapes, and can result in undesirable heat transfer to surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
Interconnectable heating blankets with power connectors on multiple sides, allowing them to be connected mechanically and thermally to form a continuous surface, using a single power source and minimizing gaps for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple heating blankets are used to cover irregularly shaped areas, then the heating coverage is improved, but heat loss to surrounding areas increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple modular heating blankets that can be connected together. Each blanket is a separate unit with its own heating elements, allowing the system to be configured to match irregular shapes while maintaining efficient heat distribution within each module and reducing heat loss to surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating blankets are connected through interconnectable edges with thermal and electrical connections, merging them into a unified heating system. This allows the combined system to cover irregularly shaped areas efficiently while maintaining optimal heat distribution across the entire heated surface.
2Area of stationary object
If heating blankets are taped together to form custom sizes and shapes, then the heating coverage is improved, but heat loss increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed as segmented modular units with standardized interconnectable edges. Each module is manufactured independently with integrated electrical and thermal connection features, eliminating the need for complex custom manufacturing while allowing flexible configuration to match various heating area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating blankets are designed with universal interconnectable edges that can be assembled in various configurations to create different sizes and shapes. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized module to serve multiple heating applications without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If heating blankets are taped together, then the heating coverage is improved, but heat loss to surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating blankets are merged into a unified system through interconnectable edges with direct thermal and electrical connections. This merging eliminates the thermal barriers created by taping, ensuring continuous heat distribution across the entire heated surface and minimizing heat loss to surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnectable edges provide continuous thermal and electrical pathways between heating blanket modules, ensuring uninterrupted heat flow across the entire heated area. This continuity maintains optimal heating efficiency and prevents heat loss that would occur with discontinuous connections like taping.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple power sources are used for multiple heating blankets, then the heating coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating blankets are electrically connected in series or parallel through interconnectable edges, allowing a single power source to supply electricity to the entire system. This merging of electrical circuits eliminates the need for multiple power sources and associated control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining expanded heating coverage.
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
Enables precise heating of irregularly shaped areas with reduced heat loss to surrounding components, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness by allowing flexible configuration and use of a single power source.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy
Implementation Method 2
a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An interconnectable heating blanket is presented. The interconnectable heating blanket comprises a first face, a second face, and a plurality of sides. At least one side of the plurality of sides comprises a power connector.