Monolithic Radiant Panel Structure for Uniform Indoor Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radiant panels are inefficient due to air gaps in connections, internal material resistance, large surface area occupation, complex installation, fragility, and limited heat dissipation, which hinders effective heating and cooling of indoor areas.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic radiant panel arrangement featuring a tubular portion with co-planar fin portions, made from a single material like aluminum alloy, attached at an angle to indoor surfaces, allowing for efficient heat transfer and fluid circulation without the need for a manifold, and enabling both sides for heat radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radiant panels use multiple materials and components (panel surface, pipe, heat transfer element, insulating layer), then heat transfer function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple connection points and potential air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the panel surface, pipe, and heat transfer element into a single monolithic structure made from one continuous piece of material (aluminum alloy). This eliminates the need for separate components and their connections, removing potential air gaps and improving heat transfer efficiency while reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single material (aluminum alloy) that inherently provides both structural support and heat transfer functionality, eliminating the need for composite assemblies of different materials and their associated connection complexities
2Area of stationary object
If traditional radiant panels are connected in series to cover larger areas, then heating/cooling coverage increases, but fluid flow uniformity decreases due to varying temperatures across panels and potential leakage at joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple identical monolithic panel units that can be independently installed. Each panel is self-contained with its own fluid circulation path, eliminating inter-panel connections and ensuring uniform fluid flow across the entire heating area while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each monolithic panel is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated fluid distribution, eliminating the need for external manifold systems and complex inter-panel piping. The panels serve themselves by maintaining uniform fluid flow internally
3Ease of operation
If radiant panels are placed horizontally on ceiling, then installation simplicity increases, but heat dissipation efficiency decreases due to heat loss from ceiling-facing side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the monolithic panel. The front surface (facing the room) is optimized for heat radiation, while the back surface (facing the ceiling) can be configured with selective insulation or ventilation features, allowing efficient heat dissipation while maintaining installation simplicity
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional radiant panels use fragile construction materials and multiple components, then functional requirements are met, but transportation and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all panel components into a single monolithic structure that can be manufactured as one piece and transported as one unit. This eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple fragile components, significantly improving transportation and installation ease while maintaining all required functions
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 configuration enhances heat transfer rates up to 200 watts per square meter, simplifies installation, reduces material complexity, and ensures uniform temperature distribution across indoor areas with improved durability and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular portion for circulating fluid. The fluid is circulated to provide one of heating or cooling in the indoor area
Implementation Method 2
two co-planar fin portions... configured to be attached with a surface of the indoor area... efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
enabling both sides for heat radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing one of heating and cooling in an indoor area is disclosed. The system includes one or more monolithic radiant panels. The one or more monolithic radiant panels include a tubular portion for circulating fluid. The circulation of fluid enables heating or cooling of the indoor area. The one or more monolithic radiant panels also include two co-planar fin portions that are arranged diametrically opposite to each other about a periphery of the tubular portion. Either one of the two co-planar fin portions are configured to be attached with a surface of the indoor area at an angle.