Planar Electrode Foil Layout for Combined Sensing and Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions require separate and complex systems for monitoring vital functions and movements of individuals and floor heating, which are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a heating foil and sensor foil into a single planar electrode system, with separate control units for each function, allowing simultaneous monitoring and heating while minimizing interference and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate sensor foil and heating foil systems are used, then monitoring and heating functions can be performed, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionality (monitoring and heating)VSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor foil and heating foil into a single integrated planar electrode construction. The same conductive foil structure serves both as the sensing element for monitoring movements and vital functions, and as the heating element for floor heating, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planar electrode construction is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a sensor for detecting movements and monitoring vital functions, and as a heating element for floor heating. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate sensor foil and heating foil systems are used, then monitoring and heating functions can be performed, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionality (monitoring and heating)VSAvoidmaterial quantity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor foil and heating foil into a single integrated planar electrode construction. The same conductive foil structure serves both as the sensing element for monitoring movements and vital functions, and as the heating element for floor heating, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planar electrode construction is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a sensor for detecting movements and monitoring vital functions, and as a heating element for floor heating. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems

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

3Area of stationary object

If heating foil is placed below sensor foil, then heating area is maximized, but sensor efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating areaVSAvoidsensor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between heating area and sensor efficiency by transitioning to a two-layer vertical arrangement. The sensor foil is positioned in the upper layer for optimal sensing performance, while the heating foil is positioned in the lower layer to maximize heating area. This dimensional separation in the vertical direction allows both functions to operate at peak efficiency without interfering with each other

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

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

Enables efficient monitoring and heating in a single system, reducing complexity and cost compared to separate systems, with efficient operation and easy installation.

Implementation Method 1

the foil is heated by means of electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Planar electrode sensors can be used e.g. in floor constructions to electrically monitor the movements and locations of a person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical field detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS8963056B2Planar electrode system
Publication Date: 2015.02.24 ELSI TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US8963056B2 patent drawing
  • US8963056B2 patent drawing
  • US8963056B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Planar electrode system and method of manufacturing same, comprising at least one foil-type, electrically conductive planar electrode, a connection for connecting it to an external operating apparatus/control apparatus, and also at least one substrate layer, protective layer and/or insulation layer arranged on the surface of the planar electrode, which system comprises a foil-type planar electrode construction fitted into a continuous foil construction and comprising a least one foil-type electrode (101, 111), which planar electrode construction is fitted to operate both as a planar sensor, in which case it can be connected via a sensor connection (103) to a sensor control apparatus (SC101), and in electrical heating action, in which case it can be connected via an electrical heating connection (113) to an electrical heating control apparatus (HC111).