Radiator assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator systems are not suitable for cooling in homes, as they are not designed for this purpose and a cool metal body leads to moisture condensation without effectively cooling the environment, and they fail to adapt to varying heat requirements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular radiator arrangement featuring a line system with a distributor body, a heat exchanger unit made of aluminum, and a fan to manage temperature distribution and airflow, allowing for both heating and cooling with adjustable fan control and a graphite foam structure for even heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional steel radiator system is used for heating, then heating function is provided, but it cannot be used for cooling and causes moisture condensation when cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional steel to aluminum, which has different thermal properties including lower thermal mass and different condensation characteristics. This allows the radiator to be used for both heating and cooling without the moisture condensation problems associated with cooled steel surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum radiator system is designed to perform multiple functions - both heating and cooling - within the same physical infrastructure. The system can switch between heating mode (with hot water circulation) and cooling mode (with cold water circulation and fan operation), eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
2Productivity
If fan is added to improve air flow around radiator, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is integrated into the radiator system to serve dual purposes: enhancing cooling efficiency when operating in cooling mode, and potentially improving heat distribution when operating in heating mode. This single component adds value in multiple operational contexts without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan is controlled by a thermostat that automatically activates it when cooling is needed and deactivates it when heating is needed. This self-regulating control system manages the fan operation based on temperature conditions, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If aluminum heat exchanger is used instead of steel, then cooling performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from steel to aluminum, which offers superior thermal conductivity and lower thermal mass - critical parameters for effective cooling performance. While aluminum may have different manufacturing considerations, the overall system design aims to achieve cost-effectiveness through the ability to provide both heating and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
By using aluminum radiators that can perform both heating and cooling functions, the system eliminates the need for separate cooling equipment, thereby reducing overall system cost despite the higher material cost of aluminum compared to traditional steel radiators.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented for adaptability, then versatility for different heat requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator system is divided into modular units that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains the essential components (aluminum radiator sections, fan, thermostat control), allowing the system to be scaled and adapted to different room sizes and heat requirements without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design uses standardized components that can serve both heating and cooling functions. This universality at the component level simplifies the overall system architecture, as the same basic modules can be used throughout the building regardless of whether the primary need is heating or cooling.
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 precise and economical response to heating and cooling needs, with adaptable modular design for low or high heat requirements, and efficient air cooling, ensuring effective temperature management in homes.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger body is preferably made of aluminum and, over time, takes on the temperature of the line system or the distribution body
Implementation Method 2
The fan, in turn, is arranged in such a way that it generates an air flow that sweeps past the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The line system is pressed into graphite foam. This can be done, for example, by a sandwich structure in which the line system is pressed between two plates containing graphite foam. The graphite foam ensures that the temperature generated along the line system is essentially evenly distributed over the entire surface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The arrangement has a ventilator arranged at a heat exchanger element, and a pipeline i.e. tube register (5), for guiding a heating/cooling agent. A distributor plate (6) is arranged for uniformizing the temperature distribution. The tube register is formed from two collecting pipes and heating pipes that are formed between the collecting tubes. The plate is partly made of graphite i.e. foamed graphite. The pipeline is partially pressed into the plate. The heat exchanger element is partially made of aluminum. A housing (1) exhibits openings (2) that are occupied with air filters.