Radiant Heating Positioning Mat With Vented Studs for Fast Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard process for installing electric radiant heating elements in floors is time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid damage, particularly due to the need for precise sizing and flexible mounting, which is challenging in odd-shaped rooms or when connecting to other rooms.
Innovation Solution
A mat with a base and studs that allows for flexible positioning of the heating element, featuring studs with angled surfaces and holes for air passage to speed up adhesive curing, eliminating the need for furring strips and mechanical fastening, and enabling the use of inexpensive adhesives, thus simplifying and accelerating the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metal straps are fastened to the backer board with nails or screws to provide flexible mounting, then adaptability is improved, but installation time increases and risk of damage to heating element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal straps and mechanical fastening components from the installation system. Instead, it uses adhesive applied directly to the backer board to secure the heating element, eliminating the time-consuming process of measuring, positioning, and fastening metal straps while maintaining mounting flexibility through the adhesive bonding method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the backer board and the heating element. This adhesive mediator provides the necessary bonding and flexibility without requiring mechanical fasteners, thereby reducing installation time and eliminating the need for metal straps while maintaining adaptability in positioning
2Reliability
If metal straps are fastened with multiple nails or screws to secure the heating element, then reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (nails or screws through metal straps) with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive provides sufficient securing strength to hold the heating element in place while eliminating the time-consuming process of driving multiple fasteners, thus maintaining reliability while reducing installation time
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of metal straps is performed before heating element installation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the backer board in advance, creating pre-marked or pre-prepared bonding areas that guide the positioning of the heating element. This preliminary application of adhesive eliminates the need for time-consuming measurements and marking of metal strap positions, while still achieving precise positioning through the adhesive's placement pattern
4Device complexity
If adhesive is used without air passage holes, then device complexity is reduced, but curing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates air passage holes through the adhesive layer, creating a porous structure that allows air to penetrate and accelerate the curing process. This controlled porosity enables faster evaporation of solvents or moisture from the adhesive, reducing curing time while maintaining the overall simplicity of the bonding system
5Manufacturing precision
If furring strips are installed at the perimeter to indicate cement depth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the furring strips from the installation system. Instead of using separate perimeter indicators to control cement depth, the adhesive application process itself provides the necessary depth control through its viscosity and application method, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the overall installation process
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 mat enables quick and flexible installation of electric radiant heating elements in various room sizes and shapes, reducing installation time and avoiding damage, while allowing for efficient heat distribution and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the stud exerts pressure on a section of the heating element
Implementation Method 2
the top includes a hole to allow air to pass from outside the stud to an interior region
Implementation Method 3
electric radiant heating elements generate heat by resisting the flow of electricity through them
Data Source
AI summary
A mat includes a base and a plurality of studs that together may position an electric radiant heating element within a floor or wall, and may protect the electric radiant heating element as the floor or wall are constructed. The base extends in at least two directions that define a plane. Two or more of the plurality of studs has a cylindrical body that includes a surface and a top, the surface extends from a respective portion of the base in a third direction that does not lie within the plane and that is at an angle between and including 84 and 96 degrees relative to the respective base portion, and the top includes a hole to allow air to pass from outside the stud to an interior region. By using the mat one can quickly install a plurality of positioning devices to hold the electric radiant heating element at desired locations in the floor while the floor is constructed. Furthermore, one can install the mat in odd-shaped rooms or in rooms that will use an electric radiant heating element that is a branch of another room's electric radiant heating element, without having to first wait for installation in other portions of the odd-shaped room or the other room to be completed.