Light-Based Heat Distribution in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supplemental heating methods in man-made objects, such as aerospace and terrestrial vehicles, and human shelters, face challenges in providing sufficient heat without electromagnetic interference (EMI) and inefficiency, especially when relying on electrical heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A light-based heat distribution system using a source of light, optical fibers, and thermally-conductive elements with infrared-absorptive materials to disperse heat, potentially aided by fans and light-to-electricity conversion components, allowing for controlled and efficient heat delivery with reduced EMI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical heating elements are used for supplemental heating, then heating function is provided, but electromagnetic interference (EMI) is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical heating elements with a light-based heating system. A light source (LED) converts electrical energy to light energy, which is transmitted through optical fibers to the heating target. The light energy is then converted to thermal energy at the destination, providing heating without electrical conductors at the heating point, thus eliminating EMI generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transfer energy from the light source to the heating target. The optical fiber carries light energy through the object without conducting electricity, serving as a non-electrical intermediary that delivers heating energy without generating electromagnetic interference.
2Temperature
If electrical heating elements are used, then heating is provided, but device complexity increases due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical wiring with optical fiber cabling. Instead of using electrical conductors to deliver heating power, the system uses optical fibers to transmit light energy. This replacement simplifies the wiring architecture, as optical fibers are more flexible, require no grounding, and can be routed more easily through complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-based heating system can serve multiple functions: it provides supplemental heating, can be integrated with existing LED lighting systems, and uses optical fiber infrastructure that can also serve communication or sensing purposes. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating infrastructure requirements.
3Loss of energy
If heat is harvested from existing components, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat delivery to desired location is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to transport light energy from light sources (which may be located in areas with excess heat) to distant or difficult-to-reach heating targets. The optical fiber conduit system enables flexible routing of energy around obstacles and through complex geometries, overcoming the limitations of direct heat conduction or convection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional heat transfer (conduction through materials, convection through fluids) to one-dimensional energy transmission along optical fiber conduits. This dimensional change allows heat energy to be delivered along precise pathways defined by the optical fiber routing, enabling delivery to locations that would be inaccessible through traditional heat transfer methods.
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 solution provides flexible, efficient, and cost-effective heat distribution with reduced electromagnetic interference, suitable for various applications, including aerospace and terrestrial vehicles, and human shelters, while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (such as a light emitting diode or the like)
Implementation Method 2
a light-bearing conduit (such as an optical fiber or the like)
Implementation Method 3
a heating target... with infrared-absorptive materials
Data Source
AI summary
An object has at least a first source of light secured thereto. At least a first light-bearing conduit operably couples to this source of light and also to at least a first heat-dispersion component that is also secured to the object. So configured, the heat-dispersion component responds to reception of light from at least the first source of light via at least the first light-bearing conduit by dispersing heat derived from the light.