Non-contact actuation assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydronic radiant thermal systems face challenges in assembling efficiently distributed networks of conduits within walls, especially with non-uniform structures like those containing window openings or utility sockets, which affect heat radiation and absorption patterns.
Innovation Solution
A thermal wall design featuring a closed conduit system with a thermal panel and cover layer, where the conduit is formed according to a predetermined geometry to bypass liquid-free zones and adapt to complex areas, allowing for efficient heat distribution while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conduits are embedded within walls to create radiating thermal systems, then heat radiation and absorption efficiency is improved, but the ability to adapt to non-uniform wall structures (window openings, utility sockets) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into modular panels, each containing a portion of the conduit network. These panels can be independently configured to accommodate different wall structures (with or without openings), allowing the thermal system to adapt to non-uniform wall configurations while maintaining efficient heat distribution through the segmented conduit paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit network is designed to route around openings by utilizing the three-dimensional space within wall panels and across multiple panel surfaces. Rather than being constrained to two-dimensional surface layouts, the conduits can extend through the thickness of panels and connect via adjacent panels, creating efficient thermal pathways that bypass obstacles in the wall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-fabricated panels with identical conduit networks are used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the ability to create efficiently distributed conduit networks in non-uniform walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While panels are pre-fabricated with standardized conduit configurations for manufacturing efficiency, different panel types can be produced with locally optimized conduit layouts tailored to specific wall sections. This allows uniformly manufactured panels to be selectively assembled into non-uniform wall configurations, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and optimal thermal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs modular panels that can be dynamically assembled in different configurations during construction. The conduit networks in adjacent panels connect to form continuous thermal pathways that adapt to the overall wall structure, allowing the system to transition from static pre-fabricated components to a dynamic, efficiently distributed thermal network in the assembled state.
3Ease of operation
If hand-operated actuators are fixed to wall surfaces to operate infrastructure systems, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance of wall surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external actuator and the internal valve/operator. The actuator is positioned on the exterior wall surface for ease of operation, while the valve is embedded within the wall panel. The magnetic field acts as the intermediary force to transmit actuation commands through the panel thickness without visible connections, preserving aesthetic appearance while maintaining operational accessibility.
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 heat radiation and absorption patterns within building structures, even in non-uniform wall configurations, while maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of the walls.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating member and the operating member are configured to be magnetically coupled such that the operator is switchable, upon disposition of said actuator member with respect to said external face
Implementation Method 2
a heat radiating/absorbing element of a radiant thermal system disposed adjacent said internal face, configured to radiate/absorb heat through said external face into/from the building structure
Implementation Method 3
an air convection system comprising an airflow generating device, configured to blow air at least partially along said external face of said thermal panel
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact actuation assembly configured to operate a communication line of an infrastructure system through a panel having an external face configured to be directed into an interior of a building structure, and an opposite internal face, said assembly comprising; an actuator configured to be positioned adjacent said external face by a user during operation, said actuator comprising an actuating member constituted by at least one of a magnetic member and a magnetizable member; and an operator configured to be disposed adjacent said internal face during operation, and control communication at said communication line, said operator comprising an operating member constituted by a matching one of said magnetic member and said magnetizable member; wherein upon said positioning of said actuator adjacent said external face, in register with said operator, said actuating member and said operating member are configured to be magnetically coupled such that said operator is switchable, upon disposition of said actuator member with respect to said external face, at least between a first state in which communication in said communication line is established and a second state n which communication in said communication line is obstructed.