Panel for floor heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor heating systems face issues with uniform heat distribution due to discontinuities in the radiant floor mass caused by preformed panels, leading to thermal inefficiency and structural weaknesses, especially in thinner layers, and require complex and costly pipe fastening methods when changing direction.
Innovation Solution
A modular, sound and heat insulating panel with a plastic grid system that includes projections and rods to securely hold pipes without the need for screen-printing, ensuring uniform pipe spacing and burial, while providing mechanical consistency and easy installation, including features like undercut points for various pipe diameters and anchors for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preformed panels made of foamed polystyrene with rusticated elements are used, then pipe laying is facilitated and insulation is improved, but uniform heat distribution is compromised and structural strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into distinct functional zones: flat insulating areas for uniform heat transmission and raised rusticated areas for pipe support. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the panel have different properties: the flat areas provide thermal continuity for heat distribution, while the raised rusticated elements provide mechanical support and insulation at specific locations where pipes are laid. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between uniform heat distribution and ease of pipe laying.
2Loss of energy
If preformed panels with rusticated elements are used, then insulation characteristics are improved, but structural strength of the screed is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The panel combines foamed polystyrene for insulation with a reinforcing mesh layer for structural strength. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation to prevent heat loss and mechanical reinforcement to strengthen the screed, particularly in thinner layers.
3Quantity of substance
If flat insulating panels with screen-printed markings are used, then material costs are reduced, but pipe fastening becomes more difficult and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The raised rusticated elements automatically serve dual functions: they mark the pipe laying path (eliminating the need for screen-printed markings) and provide mechanical support for pipe fastening. The pipe is secured simply by pressure created by plastic deformation between adjacent rusticated elements, eliminating the need for additional fastening materials and reducing labor costs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If aluminium lamina or plastic film is added as vapor barrier, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A thin plastic film vapor barrier is integrated into the panel structure. This flexible film provides effective moisture protection while adding minimal complexity to the overall panel design and maintaining the modular nature of the system.
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 ensures maximum radiant power transmission with complete pipe burial, reduces material and labor costs, and enhances structural integrity of the screed, allowing for seamless pipe direction changes and improved walkability without damaging the pipes during installation.
Implementation Method 1
the piping is secured simply by the pressure created by plastic deformation between two adjacent rusticated elements in insertion of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The pipe support must be thermally and preferably also sound insulated to prevent heat loss from the opposite side not involved in the heating
Implementation Method 3
One of the two surfaces of the support can be coupled with an aluminium lamina or a plastic film as a barrier to the water vapour with reflecting properties
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention is a new panel suited to hold the pipes for floor heating and/or cooling, comprising a modular grid (G) made of moulded plastic comprising a series of projections (C) connected by rods (M), suitably spaced for the passage of heating pipes (T) with an underlying plane insulating element. The height of the projections (C) is greater than the diameter of the pipes (T) so as to protect the pipes (T) during installation and casting of the screed, while the lower part of the grid (G) is equipped with anchors suited to connect said insulating panel to the grid (G). As a result the cement screed is continuous and homogeneous, without fragile sections, and the pipes are completely buried in the concrete, thus transmitting their maximum radiant power.