Radiator Air Outlet Flap for More Uniform Heat Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often feel cold despite sufficient ambient air temperature due to inefficient heat distribution and air outlet designs in existing heating devices, such as radiators, which direct hot air obliquely downwards.

Innovation Solution

A radiator design featuring a casing with a heating element, an air inlet, and a first air outlet with a return flap that extends parallel to the front wall, offset forward, to improve heat production and homogeneous air distribution, where the return flap is formed by the upper wall, facilitating parallel air discharge and enhanced air evacuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the air outlet directs hot air obliquely downwards, then the air outlet structure is simple, but users feel cold despite sufficient ambient temperature due to poor heat distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidair outlet structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is divided into multiple outlets positioned at different locations and orientations within the casing. Each outlet directs heated air in a different direction (some horizontally, some obliquely), segmenting the single air outlet function into multiple specialized outlets that collectively improve heat distribution throughout the room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a return flap is added to send air parallel to the front wall, then heat distribution improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat distribution qualityVSAvoidcasing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return flap is merged with the bottom wall of the casing, forming an integrated structure rather than a separate component. This combination achieves the function of directing air parallel to the front wall while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding additional parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple air outlets are positioned at different heights, then homogeneous air distribution is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution uniformityVSAvoidcasing assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple air outlets at different heights and orientations. The casing structure serves multiple functions: it houses the heating element, provides structural support, and integrates the return flap and multiple air outlets, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complex air distribution requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances heat production and distribution, ensuring warmer ambient temperatures by directing heated air efficiently and uniformly throughout the space, addressing the issue of users feeling cold.

Implementation Method 1

the heating element being intended to heat the air coming from the air inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the return flap extending in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane in which the front wall extends and being offset forward relative to the front wall to send the air parallel to the plane of the front wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP1967797B1Heating device and associated air outlet
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 SOCIETE MULLER & CIE
  • EP1967797B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1967797B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

The radiator (1) has a parallelepiped casing (2) comprising a front wall (4) and a flap, where the valve and the flap form an air outlet. A heating element (3) heats the air from an air inlet (12) such that the heated air is evacuated across the air outlet. The flap extends in a plane parallel to a plane in which the front wall extends. The flap is drifted in front with respect to the front wall for conveying air parallel to the plane of front wall. A round wall (56) is placed in support against an internal face (46) of the flap.