Public-Space Heatable Objects With Transaction-Based Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public venues face challenges in controlling and managing energy consumption of heater elements in seats, as they may be left on unintentionally, leading to waste and overloading, and existing subscription models are not applicable to public spaces.
Innovation Solution
Integrating individually controllable heater elements into objects with a control apparatus and user interface, allowing users to activate heating via commercial or non-commercial transactions, with remote actuators and safety switches, and managing power consumption through a control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heater elements are equipped in public venues with manual switches, then users can control heating individually, but energy waste occurs when heaters are left on unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls heater activation and deactivation based on user presence detection and transaction records, eliminating the need for manual switch operation and preventing energy waste from unintentionally left-on heaters
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus receives feedback from sensors detecting user presence and automatically adjusts heater operation accordingly, ensuring heaters are only active when needed and preventing energy waste
2Ease of operation
If heater elements are equipped in public venues, then user comfort is improved, but the system may become overloaded when all seats are heated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heating power and allocation based on real-time demand, user presence detection, and available energy capacity, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions without becoming overloaded
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus modifies operational parameters such as heating power levels and activation timing based on system load conditions, ensuring comfortable heating while preventing overload when all seats are heated simultaneously
3Use of energy by moving object
If subscription models are used for seat heaters, then cost control is achieved, but the model cannot be applied to public spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed to work with various heating scenarios in public spaces, enabling flexible transaction-based control without requiring subscription models, making the system adaptable to different public venue requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary between users and the heating system, enabling transaction-based control and cost management specifically tailored for public space applications rather than private vehicle subscriptions
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
Enhances user experience by providing personalized warmth, optimizes energy use, and collects data for venue operators to improve comfort levels, while allowing cost allocation to individual users.
Implementation Method 1
Heating elements of an object according to the invention may be implemented using resistive heater elements such as heater pixels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, system and computer program products for providing heat by a heatable object available for use by a user who is a member of the public. A heating transaction is requested by a user using a user device. The heating transaction may involve a commercial transaction involving a payment. In response to a successful performance of a commercial transaction or in response to receiving the request from the user device for the heating transaction, heating determined by the heating transaction is enabled for a determined period by one or more resistive heater elements integrated in the heatable object, and heating is commenced. Heating operation may be controlled by means of the user device.