Modular underfloor heating distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional underfloor heating distributors require significant space due to the offset height of flow and return lines, leading to larger distribution cabinets and complex installation processes, especially when connecting to vertical supply lines.
Innovation Solution
A modular floor heating distributor design with supply channels in the rear and return channels in the front, allowing for connection to both vertical and horizontal supply lines using straight or angled connecting pipe sections, and featuring staggered shut-off valves for improved accessibility and installation comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional manifolds use offset height arrangement for flow and return pipes, then the manifold structure is simple and robust, but the space requirement increases significantly requiring larger manifold cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal offset arrangement to a vertical stacking arrangement where flow and return channels are positioned one above the other in the same longitudinal position. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical spacing dramatically reduces the longitudinal footprint of the manifold while maintaining structural integrity and functional separation between supply and return lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow and return channels into a single integrated manifold body structure rather than using separate parallel pipes. The channels are formed within the same housing, with the flow channel positioned vertically above the return channel, consolidating the space requirements while maintaining functional independence through internal separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional manifolds use rigid pipes with offset heights, then the connection structure is straightforward, but the installation complexity increases due to limited installation space and routing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical stacking of channels eliminates the need for complex horizontal routing behind pipes. Installation personnel can access connection points from the front or top without needing to maneuver rigid pipes through tight horizontal spaces, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is pre-configured with vertically stacked channels and integrated connection points, so that during installation, pipes can be directly connected to accessible ports without complex routing. The design anticipates installation needs by providing ergonomic access to all connection points from the front.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manifolds are designed for horizontal supply lines, then the manifold design is simplified, but additional special elbow fittings are required for vertical supply lines resulting in extra costs
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design incorporates universal connection capabilities by providing both horizontal and vertical connection options through the vertically stacked channel arrangement. The same basic manifold structure can accommodate horizontal supply lines connecting to the side or vertical supply lines connecting from above, eliminating the need for separate designs or additional elbow fittings for different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold design is made adaptable to different installation configurations through adjustable connection points and modular components. The vertical stacking allows the manifold to dynamically adapt to either horizontal or vertical supply line orientations without requiring fundamental design changes or additional specialized fittings.
4Stability of the object's composition
If manifold modules are arranged with standard spacing, then the structural alignment is simplified, but the overall manifold length increases reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking flow and return channels vertically rather than spacing them horizontally, the patent reduces the longitudinal distance between corresponding supply and return connection points. This vertical arrangement allows modules to be positioned closer together in the longitudinal direction while maintaining proper alignment and functional separation, thereby reducing overall manifold length without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The modular underfloor heating manifold (1) according to the invention comprises: - several manifold modules (2) each with a flow channel (7) open on both sides in the longitudinal direction (5) of the module, a return channel (8) open on both sides in the longitudinal direction (5), and each with a flow connection (9) opening into the flow channel (7) and a return connection (10) leading from the return channel (8) on the underside of the manifold module (2), and each with a flow shut-off spindle (11) for shutting off the flow connection (9) and a return shut-off valve (12) for shutting off the return connection (10) on the top side of the manifold module (2); - a connection module (3) arranged on an end-side manifold module (2) with a flow channel (7) open at least on one side in the longitudinal direction (5).a return channel (8) open at least on one side in the longitudinal direction (5) of the module, and with a connecting pipe section (14) opening into the supply channel (7) and a connecting pipe section (15) branching off from the return channel (8), and - an end module (4) arranged on the other end-side distributor module (2), with a supply channel (19) open on one side in the longitudinal direction (5) of the module and a return channel (20) open on one side in the longitudinal direction (5), wherein the individual modules (2, 3, 4) are connected closely to one another in the longitudinal direction (5) of the module, so that their supply channels (7, 19) and return channels (8, 20) each form a continuous supply and return line, respectively.