Modular Heating Panel With Self-Connecting Electrical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular heating panels for floors and walls require time-consuming manual connection of electrical terminals, leading to potential connection errors during installation.

Innovation Solution

The modular heating panel features unique electrical connection terminals with different shapes on each end side, allowing for simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection of adjacent panels through quick coupling means, ensuring reliable assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual connection of electrical terminals is used for each panel, then electrical connection between panels is achieved, but installation time is excessive and connection errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical connection and electrical connection into a single integrated operation. The quick coupling means incorporates both mechanical interlocking features and electrical terminal connections, so that when panels are mechanically joined, the electrical terminals are simultaneously connected without requiring separate manual wiring steps for each panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical terminals are pre-positioned and integrated into the panel structure during manufacturing, with connection terminals arranged to automatically align with adjacent panels. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual wiring during installation, as the electrical connection is prepared in advance and executes automatically during the mechanical coupling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual connection of electrical terminals is performed for every panel, then electrical connectivity is established, but the installation process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick coupling means integrates mechanical fastening and electrical connection into a single unified mechanism. Users perform one simple coupling operation instead of separate mechanical assembly and electrical wiring steps, dramatically simplifying the installation process while reducing the complexity of the overall connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-aligning and self-connecting functionality where the panel structures guide the connection process automatically. The electrical terminals are positioned to automatically engage with adjacent panels during mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for complex manual wiring procedures and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design simplifies the installation process by enabling a single operation connection, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the reliability of electrical connections between panels.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical connection terminals, applied on the first end side of the panel body, are provided with a second bent portion which defines a spring connection terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a heating layer, which can be electrically activated, applied to the lower surface of said panel body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP1884716B1Modular heating panel
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 TYCO ELECTRONICS AMP ITAL
  • EP1884716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1884716B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP1884716B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A modular heating panel, in particular for heating floors or walls, comprises: - a panel body (2), having two opposite end sides (3, 4) and two opposite longitudinal sides (5, 6), and provided with means (7a, 7b) for quick coupling with the body of adjacent panels (1a, 1b), and - a heating layer (8), which can be electrically activated, applied to the lower surface of said panel body (2), and including at least one electrical connection terminal (10, 11) at each end side (3, 4) of the panel body (2). The electrical connection terminal (10, 11) is shaped and positioned with respect to the panel body (2), so that the electrical connection between two adjacent panels (1a, 1b) is obtained as a result, and at the same time, of the coupling between said panels through said quick coupling means (7a, 7b).