Modular Metal Underfloor Heating for Thin-Screed Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underfloor heating installation methods are complex and require significant time and expertise, especially when using pourable screed, and they often result in inefficient heat distribution and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A 'Plug and Play' system involving a metal pipe system arranged on a metallic carrier plate, which can be easily transported, assembled, and connected, allowing for a simplified installation process and improved heat distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If plastic pipes are used for underfloor heating, then the installation is simpler, but the pipes require thick screed coverage due to large diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidscreed thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to metal (copper), which allows for thinner wall pipes with smaller outer diameter. This parameter change enables the pipes to be covered by thinner screed layers while maintaining structural integrity and heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If metal pipes are used instead of plastic pipes, then the screed layer can be thinner, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreed thicknessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the underfloor heating system into modular segments consisting of metal pipes pre-arranged in meander patterns on support structures. These standardized modules can be quickly installed as complete units, eliminating the time-consuming on-site bending and shaping operations required by traditional metal pipe installation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal pipe systems are pre-configured into meander patterns and mounted on support structures before installation. This preliminary preparation of pipe arrangements eliminates the need for complex on-site shaping and positioning operations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the thin-screed advantage of metal pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pipe laying methods are used, then material flexibility is maintained, but the installation requires significant physical labor and expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized modules with pre-configured pipe arrangements on support structures. Each module maintains adaptability to room dimensions while providing easy installation through simple placement and connection, eliminating the need for skilled manual pipe bending and shaping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If pipes are arranged in meander shape, then heat distribution is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat distributionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The meander pattern is standardized into modular segments with fixed pipe arrangements on support structures. This segmentation maintains the heat distribution advantages of meander configurations while eliminating the complexity of creating custom meander patterns on-site, as modules can be simply placed and connected in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces the physical labor required for installation, minimizes screed consumption, allows for faster heating of the floor, and improves heat distribution, leading to lower energy consumption and more efficient underfloor heating systems.

Implementation Method 1

metal pipe system for conveying a medium... of at least one heat-conducting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

of at least one heat-conducting element, is fixed... improves heat distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

filling a space formed by the pipe system with cast screed... allows for faster heating of the floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3907433B1Method of installing underfloor heating and underfloor heating

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 KME SCHMOLE

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AI summary

Method for installing underfloor heating, comprising the steps of: • Completing an intermediate product, comprising a, in particular rectangular, carrier plate, preferably made of metal, on one side of which a pipe system made of metal, for conveying a medium, of at least one heat-conducting element is fixed, • Filling a space formed by the pipe system with cast screed.