Multifunctional supply element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combined light and heat radiators lack flexibility in installation and effectiveness, particularly in providing sufficient cooling, and are limited in their ability to be used in various environments such as tents, awnings, or round pavilions, with existing solutions either requiring specific ceiling constructions or having inadequate cooling performance.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional supply element that integrates a heating module with a cooling module, utilizing a carrier attached to a telescopic rod for adjustable positioning, combined with lighting and water-spraying cooling elements, allowing for flexible mounting and enhanced cooling via evaporation enthalpy, with adjustable radiation angles and modular functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a combined light and heat radiator with an elongated rod design is used, then heating and lighting functions are provided, but installation flexibility is reduced due to requirement of surface or straight mounting edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules (heating module, cooling module, lighting module) that can be independently selected and combined on a common carrier, allowing flexible adaptation to different installation environments without requiring complex mounting structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of functional modules (heating, cooling, lighting) in various configurations, enabling the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and installation scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ceiling-mounted cooling devices are used, then cooling function is provided, but adaptability to different ceiling constructions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with ceiling constructionsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier serves as a universal mounting platform that can be adapted to different ceiling constructions (flat ceilings, sloped ceilings, beams, etc.) without requiring complex device-specific mounting structures, while supporting multiple functional modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If a fan and lamp combination is used, then air circulation is provided, but cooling performance is insufficient and noise pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidnoise pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses water spray elements for evaporative cooling, utilizing hydraulic principles to deliver high cooling performance without the need for high-speed fans, thereby reducing noise pollution while maintaining effective cooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system exploits the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through evaporation, providing efficient cooling without mechanical fans, thus achieving high productivity with minimal noise pollution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Productivity

If ceiling-mounted heating and cooling devices are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but cooling air flow reaches people below insufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling air flow effectivenessVSAvoidcooling air distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from ceiling-only mounting to multi-dimensional positioning capability through the telescopic rod and adjustable carrier, enabling the cooling elements to be positioned at optimal heights and angles to direct cooling air flow effectively toward occupants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

5Ease of manufacture

If simple housing with heating element or gas burner is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but attractiveness and functionality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfunctionality and attractiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses modular functional elements (heating, cooling, lighting) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on a standard carrier, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling versatile functionality and aesthetic flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal carrier design allows the same basic structure to support multiple functional modules, providing enhanced functionality and attractiveness without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity or cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a flexible, effective cooling and heating solution that can be adapted to various environments, offering improved cooling performance and increased functionality through adjustable and modular design, enhancing usability in diverse settings.

Implementation Method 1

supply modules that include one or more heating elements and at least one cooling device in the form of spray elements for spraying cooling water vapor or nebulized water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation enthalpy: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2368404B1Multifunctional supply element
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 BURDA JIRI
  • EP2368404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2368404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2368404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional supply element comprising various functional elements for emitting heat, light beams or audio or video information. The known supply elements comprise thermal radiators and lighting elements that are disposed in separate housings or in a common housing. To increase the attractiveness and flexibility, the invention proposes that, first of all, other types of functional elements, such as water spray elements, loudspeakers, and display devices be connected to the support of the supply element rigidly or rotatably and secondly, that the individual functional elements be fed from a universal bus system so that any of the functionalities can be connected to the respective connections.