Polymer Carrier Mat Heating Element with Integrated Tube Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating or cooling elements for underfloor heating require additional mechanical attachments and are limited to specific patterns, making them inconvenient and time-consuming to install, especially when needing to connect tubes to a carrier mat.
Innovation Solution
A heating or cooling element with a polymer carrier mat that can be cut and bent around a tube, eliminating the need for separate attachment means, allowing for a rolled-up design that can be easily unrolled and installed, and reducing the need for floor attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal grid carrier mat is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but additional mechanical attachment means are required to bind the tube to the mat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carrier mat and attachment function into a single integrated component. The polymeric carrier mat includes integrated attachment means formed directly from the same material, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners or binding mechanisms to secure the tube to the mat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a metal grid carrier mat to a polymeric carrier mat. This material substitution allows the carrier mat to be both structurally sufficient and integrally formable with attachment features, reducing the need for additional mechanical attachment components.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional prefabricated floor elements are used, then the tubes can be connected to outer ends, but additional mechanical attachment is required to keep the tubes in place
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is merged into the carrier mat structure itself. The integrated attachment means are formed as part of the polymeric carrier mat, allowing tubes to be secured without separate mechanical attachment components at the outer ends or elsewhere.
3Strength
If the carrier mat is made of metal grid, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the weight is higher and cutting requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes a polymeric material for the traditional metal grid carrier mat. This material substitution reduces the weight of the carrier mat while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the polymeric material's properties and the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the weight, flexibility, and workability characteristics of the carrier mat while maintaining its structural function.
4Strength
If the carrier mat is made of metal grid, then the structural strength is sufficient, but cutting and shaping requires specialized tools and more time
Solution Approach 1:
The use of polymeric material instead of metal grid makes the carrier mat more amenable to cutting and shaping with standard tools. The polymeric material can be more easily cut, bent, and formed into required configurations without requiring specialized metalworking equipment.
5Reliability
If additional mechanical attachment means are used to bind tubes to the mat, then the tube positioning is secure, but the installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is integrated into the carrier mat structure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps involving additional mechanical fasteners or binding mechanisms. This integration streamlines the installation process while maintaining secure tube positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier mat provides self-contained attachment capability through its integrated attachment means. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external fasteners or additional components to secure the tubes to the mat, thereby reducing installation complexity and time.
6Reliability
If the element requires attachment to the floor surface, then the positioning is stable, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates or reduces the floor attachment requirement by providing sufficient stability through the integrated attachment means securing the tube to the carrier mat. The system achieves positioning stability without relying on additional attachment to the floor surface.
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 solution enables faster and more convenient installation, reduces material weight, and allows for flexible pattern creation, improving the efficiency of heating or cooling element deployment.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoplastic polymer can be bent upon heating and when cooled down the bent polymer maintains its form
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a heating or cooling element comprising a carrier mat. a first tube which is attached in meander or spiral form to the carrier mat, wherein the heating or cooling element can be rolled up; and wherein the carrier mat is made of polymer material, and the carrier mat is cut and bent around the first tube to connect the first tube to the carrier mat.