Multi-Row Radiator Overflow Pipe for Front-Panel Load Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-row radiators with part-load functions face challenges in achieving preferred flow through the front heating panel due to thermal buoyancy, leading to inefficient heating and requiring complex valve fittings that are difficult to install correctly, resulting in connection errors.

Innovation Solution

The radiator features connection fittings in the lower corners with an overflow pipe directing the heating medium from the front panel to the rear panel, using T-pieces with blocking disks and bores to maintain flow direction, allowing for easy assembly and preventing connection errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex valve fittings are welded in at the factory to achieve part-load function, then the heating medium can be directed to flow preferentially through the front heating plate, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart-load functionVSAvoidvalve fitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection fittings are segmented into multiple functional components: T-pieces for flow distribution, blocking disks for flow direction control, and overflow pipes for excess flow management. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining part-load capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow paths are pre-configured during manufacturing with blocking disks positioned in T-pieces and overflow pipes installed. This preliminary action ensures that the part-load function is automatically achieved without requiring complex valve assemblies or post-installation configuration, reducing both device complexity and installation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If blocking disks are used in T-pieces to control flow direction, then the flow direction can be maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction controlVSAvoidconnection fitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking disks in the T-pieces automatically control the flow direction based on the heating medium's natural circulation patterns. The system self-regulates the flow distribution between front and rear heating plates without requiring external control mechanisms, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Simple blocking disks made from inexpensive materials are used instead of complex valve mechanisms. These disposable-like components are easy to manufacture and install, providing reliable flow direction control without the complexity and cost of adjustable valve fittings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Temperature

If the heating medium flows through the front heating panel first, then the warming effect is improved, but thermal buoyancy causes the heating medium to rise and flow out through the valve into the rear panels, reducing heating efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront panel temperatureVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow pipe acts as an intermediary element that captures the heating medium after it has heated the front panel and redirects it to the rear panels through a controlled path. This prevents energy loss while ensuring both panels receive adequate heating, mediating between the thermal buoyancy effect and heating efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking disks and overflow pipe configuration ensures continuous circulation of the heating medium through both front and rear panels. The heating medium flows through the front panel first, then is redirected to the rear panels, maintaining continuous useful heating action throughout the entire radiator system rather than allowing premature discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 design ensures efficient heating by maintaining the desired flow directions, preventing overflow, and simplifying the installation process, ensuring both panels are effectively heated and reducing the risk of connection errors.

Implementation Method 1

the heating medium immediately rises after flowing into the lower flow due to thermal buoyancy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal buoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

the overflow pipe directs the flow V of the heating medium from the heating element plate facing the room to be heated into the heating plate(s) arranged behind it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2131118B1Heater with load sharing function
Publication Date: 2011.02.02 KERMI GMBH
  • EP2131118B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2131118B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2131118B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The multiple-row heating body has a flow connection and a reverse flow connection for a heating medium of a heat distribution system. A flow permeable heating body plate is arranged opposite to the space to be heated and another flow permeable plate is arranged within the space to be heated. The lower connection fittings (c,d) are in fluidic connection with the flow connection or reverse flow connection and are connected with each other by an overflow pipe. The overflow pipe is arranged horizontally between heating plates (21).