Heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heaters face challenges in achieving high thermal output while maintaining a compact size, flexibility, and low weight, with a desire for minimal internal components to maximize air heating efficiency and reduce unwanted heating and weight.
Innovation Solution
A modular heating device design featuring a heat exchanger with multiple flow and return pipes, supported by fans arranged at equal distances for efficient air coverage, and a modular structure allowing for flexible expansion by connecting additional modules or convectors, with a focus on aluminum components for reduced weight and enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of fins is increased to achieve higher heat output, then the heat transfer surface area increases, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the flow pipes themselves. The pipes serve as both fluid conduits and heat transfer surfaces, eliminating the need for separate fin structures. This merging reduces component count and complexity while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow pipes perform multiple functions: transporting heating medium and providing heat transfer surface area. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated fin components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required heat output.
2Strength
If heavy plates are added to the heat exchanger for structural support, then the rigidity increases, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy plate component entirely from the design. Structural support is achieved through the pipe configuration and housing structure itself, eliminating the need for additional reinforcing plates and thereby reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves as the primary support element rather than rigid internal plates. This approach uses the outer shell to provide structural integrity, reducing the need for heavy internal reinforcement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the heating device, then the functionality is enhanced, but the number of components that heat up themselves increases, reducing heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow pipe and heat transfer surface into a single component. This eliminates intermediate connection components that would otherwise absorb heat, ensuring maximum heat transfer to the air and minimizing energy loss to device components.
4Power
If the size of the heating device is increased to accommodate more heat transfer surfaces, then the heat output increases, but the device becomes less flexible for various applications
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is designed as a modular system where flow pipes can be configured in different patterns (single pipe, multiple pipes, series or parallel arrangements). This segmentation allows the same basic structure to be adapted for different heat output requirements without changing the fundamental device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe configuration can be dynamically adjusted or selected based on application requirements. The system can operate with different numbers and arrangements of flow pipes, providing flexibility to match various heating demands while maintaining a compact form factor.
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 achieves a higher heat output than conventional systems of comparable size, reduces weight, minimizes unwanted heating of components, and allows for flexible scaling to meet varying heat demands, while maintaining efficient air flow and preventing condensate-related issues in cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (2), at least one first flow pipe (6) and at least one first return pipe (8), as well as at least one first housing (12) for receiving the first heat exchanger (2)
Implementation Method 2
The fins are thermally connected to the flow pipe, and a heating medium flows through the flow pipe
Implementation Method 3
at least one fan (4) for the heat exchanger (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heater with a first heat exchanger, at least one fan, in particular at least three fans, for the first heat exchanger, at least one first flow pipe and at least one first return pipe, through which two pipes a heating medium, in particular water, flows, and at least one first housing for accommodating the first heat exchanger, the fan, the first flow pipe and the first return pipe. Only the first flow pipe, or possibly only all of the first flow pipes, runs or run through the first heat exchanger. The fans are supported on the first downcomer and/or the first downcomer is suspended from the fans.