Radiant heating element and panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating technologies fail to provide efficient, directional radiant heat for localized comfort heating without heat loss to undesired areas, often relying on thermal insulation which increases size and energy consumption, and do not cater to varying heating needs in modern spaces with large glass areas or individual comfort requirements.
Innovation Solution
A radiant heating element with a primary side having a high emission coefficient (0.8) and a secondary side with a low emission coefficient (0.05), combined with a protective grid and polished metal plate, to direct heat efficiently and minimize unwanted radiation, allowing for a compact design that can be positioned close to users for effective heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal insulation materials are used to prevent heat loss, then heat retention is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the emission coefficient parameter of the panel surfaces to control heat radiation directionality. The front surface uses high emission coefficient material (0.8) for efficient heat emission, while the rear surface uses low emission coefficient material (0.05) to minimize backward radiation and heat loss, eliminating the need for thermal insulation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetric surface treatment to the panel, with the front surface having high emissivity and the rear surface having low emissivity. This asymmetric design creates directional heat radiation that naturally prevents heat loss to the rear without requiring additional insulation layers or complex thermal management systems.
2Productivity
If the heater is positioned closer to users for effective heat transfer, then heating efficiency is improved, but contact temperature safety becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations of the panel. The front radiating surface uses material with high emission coefficient for efficient heat transfer to users, while the rear surface and internal structure use materials with low emission coefficient and good thermal insulation properties. This creates localized thermal zones that enable close positioning without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of heat accumulation into a beneficial feature by using low emission coefficient material on the rear surface. This material traps heat that would otherwise be lost, redirecting it forward through the high emission coefficient front surface, thereby improving heating efficiency while maintaining safe external temperatures.
3Ease of operation
If directional radiant heat is achieved through surface emission coefficient differences, then heat directionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves heat directionality by changing the emission coefficient parameter of surface materials rather than requiring precise geometric control. The front surface uses material with emission coefficient of 0.8 and the rear surface uses material with emission coefficient of 0.05, creating directional radiation with approximately 98% forward emission. This parameter-based approach is more tolerant to manufacturing variations than geometric precision approaches.
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 efficient directional heat radiation, reducing energy consumption by allowing localized heating, maintaining comfortable temperatures, and preventing overheating or damage to surfaces, while being safe for users and suitable for various applications like bed warmers and industrial premises.
Implementation Method 1
a heater with a radiating surface in direct contact with a heating element... emits considerable heat... directional radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
The rear side is covered with a polished metal plate... which... reflects the radiant heat or heat radiation from the heating or radiating surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a radiant heating element (2) and a panel heater (1) that emits its heat as radiant heat based on a radiant heating element (2) having a front side or face with a high emission coefficient (approx. 0.8) which emits considerable radiant heat, and a rear side or face with a low emission coefficient (approx. 0.05) which emits little radiant heat; and that the front side or face of the panel (1) is protected by a grid (6) that has about 65-68% of its surface open perpendicularly to the radiant heating element (2); and that the rear side or face of the radiant heating element (2) is covered by a rear plate (7) which may be of polished stainless steel. The grid (6) and the rear plate (7) cover all side edges and also form the gap or interstice (11) where the fastening(s) (8) for fixing the radiant heating element (2) is(are) arranged and fastened. The radiant heating element (2) has therefore no contact with the grid (6) and the rear plate (7), and can freely expand in one plane, while being locked in the other plane. The radiant heating element (2) has a small mass and has therefore a short warming up time so that the panel heater (1) reaches working temperature quickly. The invention makes it possible to manufacture panel heaters that provide desired heat supply where and when the user requires it. The salient feature of the invention is that approx. 98% of the radiant heat is emitted in the desired direction, and only approx. 2% backwards towards areas that are not required to be heated. This effect is achieved without use of thermal insulation making it possible to produce the heater(s) in sizes suitable for local use. Allowing the user to choose his own local heating will also allow the air temperature in the room to be lowered by several degrees Celsius. Thus one saves energy while acquiring the optimal localised comfort temperature where it is desired.