Multi-Layer Infrared Heating Element for Lower-Power Space Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heating systems are inefficient due to heat loss during the distribution of heat from a central location to distant areas, and resistive heating elements are not widely adopted for building heating due to inefficiency and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state heating element with multiple layers of carbon and polymer or plastic, which emit infrared radiation and interact to achieve higher temperatures with reduced power consumption when placed in close proximity, optionally combined with a radiating element for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional heating systems use a single heating location with fluid distribution, then heat can be delivered to distant areas, but heat loss occurs during distribution reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple distributed heating elements placed throughout the space, each independently heating its local area. This eliminates the need for long fluid distribution pipes and reduces heat loss during transport, while collectively providing comprehensive heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid-based heat distribution system with a solid-state infrared heating system. Infrared radiation directly heats objects and people without requiring fluid circulation, eliminating heat loss through pipes and improving overall efficiency.
2Reliability
If resistive heating elements are used for building heating, then heating can be provided, but safety concerns and inefficiency prevent widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional resistive heating elements with infrared-generating materials that convert electrical energy directly to infrared radiation. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards of exposed resistive elements while improving efficiency by directly heating objects rather than heating the air around them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using materials that emit infrared radiation at specific wavelengths optimized for heating. This parameter change allows the heating elements to operate at lower temperatures than traditional resistive heaters, improving safety while maintaining or enhancing heating efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple heating layers are placed in close proximity, then infrared radiation interaction achieves higher temperatures with reduced power consumption, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heating layers into a single integrated assembly where the layers are positioned in close proximity to maximize infrared radiation interaction. This merging approach achieves synergistic heating effects with reduced power consumption, and the combined structure can be manufactured as one unit despite the increased complexity.
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 multi-layer heating element achieves higher temperatures with lower power usage and improved efficiency by leveraging infrared radiation interaction, addressing inefficiencies in traditional heating systems and safety concerns of resistive heating.
Implementation Method 1
The heating layers emit infrared radiation and the infrared radiation of the plurality of heating layers interact with each other to produce a temperature greater than the temperature the plurality of heating layers can produce individually
Implementation Method 2
When a voltage is applied to the heating layer, current flows through the heating layer resulting in resistive heating
Data Source
AI summary
A novel solid-state heating element is disclosed. The heating element comprises a plurality of heating layers comprised of a mixture of carbon and a polymer or plastic. The heating layers are disposed on or infused into a substrate. Each heating layer can be disposed on, or infused into, its own substrate, or the heating layers can be disposed on or infused into opposites sides of the same substrate. A radiating element can be disposed in proximity to one or both of the heating layers. The radiating element absorbs the radiation put out by the heating layer(s) and reradiates heat. A heat transfer fluid such as air or a liquid can be directed across the radiating element and/or other areas of the heating element to transfer heat from the heating element to another location.