Customizable modular hydronic system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydronic room conditioning systems lack flexibility in terms of customization, both in terms of thermal capacity and aesthetic design, making it difficult to adapt to changing heating and cooling needs and interior design changes without requiring a complete replacement of the system.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydronic system comprising interchangeable base units and customizable face cover members that can be easily expanded or modified to meet varying heating and cooling demands, with components such as modular edge and corner members that can be selected from a variety of supplies to match changing design preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydronic system is designed with fixed thermal capacity and aesthetic characteristics at the time of initial installation, then the system structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the system cannot adapt to changing heating and cooling needs or interior design changes without complete replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The hydronic system is divided into discrete modular components including base units with standardized connection interfaces and separate aesthetic cover members. This segmentation allows independent selection and combination of functional and aesthetic elements, enabling customization without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that allow the same base unit to accommodate multiple cover member styles and configurations. This multi-functionality enables a single base unit to serve different aesthetic and functional requirements through interchangeable components.
2Reliability
If the maximum Btu capacity is planned far in advance to theoretical maximum, then the system can meet peak demands, but the system may be oversized for actual usage and cannot be easily adjusted if needs change
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-capacity design to a dynamic configurable system where the thermal capacity can be adjusted by adding or removing base units. Each base unit contributes a standardized amount of capacity, allowing the total system capacity to be dynamically matched to actual needs rather than planning for theoretical maximums.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple base units are designed to be connectable in series or parallel configurations, with each unit containing nested functional components (heat exchangers, pumps, controls) that can operate independently or in combination. This nesting allows flexible capacity scaling from single-unit to multi-unit installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complete hydronic system replacement is required for interior design changes, then the aesthetic characteristics are updated, but the installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic cover members are extracted as separate removable components from the functional base units. This extraction allows the aesthetic portion to be independently replaced or updated without affecting the functional hydronic system, enabling quick aesthetic renovations without time-consuming reinstallation of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The base units are pre-configured with standardized mounting interfaces and connection points during manufacturing, allowing cover members to be quickly attached or detached without complex field adjustments. This preliminary preparation of interfaces enables rapid aesthetic changes without requiring skilled installation time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses non-modular fixed components, then the manufacturing and installation process is simpler, but the system cannot be easily expanded or modified to meet varying demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized parameters and dimensions across all modular components. Base units, cover members, and connection interfaces all follow standardized specifications that simplify production while enabling unlimited combinations and expansions of the system configuration.
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 flexible and cost-effective adaptation to changing heating and cooling needs and interior design, allowing for easy expansion or re-design of the system without the need for full replacement, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy is transferred into or removed from a space by both convection and conduction via air passing through a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy is transferred into or removed from a space by both convection and conduction via air passing through a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
there are commonly available and known such systems employing fans to enhance the efficiency of the system in dispersing heated or cooled air throughout the space
Data Source
AI summary
Interior space customizable, re-customizable, modular, hydronic system, comprising: one or more modular base heating and/or cooling units, each adapted for residing between studs of the room's wall and selectively comprising one of a frame adapted to be completely recessed between studs, partially (e.g., approximately ½-way) recessed between the studs, and not recessed at all but still substantially located between the studs, each modular base unit adapted for successive repeated linear implementation with other modular base units of like composition to meet greater or lesser heating and/or cooling needs of the interior space; and one or more contiguous face cover members, and optional edge members, adapted to be secured to corresponding modular base unit(s), wherein the face cover members and optional edge cover members each comprise peripheral edges adapted to achieve, singularly or in combination, an aesthetically coherent face, and optional aesthetically coherent edge cover members, for the system.