Roll-Up Floor Heating With Force-Distributing Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll-up floor heating systems are not suitable for all types of floor coverings as they can be damaged by forces transmitted through the floor covering, leading to potential damage to the heating element.
Innovation Solution
A roll-up heating system comprising an insulating layer, a heating element, and a cladding with a force distribution layer that distributes forces exerted on the cladding to the insulating layer, reducing the load on the heating element and incorporating an electrical resistance cable with a meandering path and a heat-diffusing layer for uniform heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin cladding is used to keep the roll-up heating compact and flexible, then ease of rolling and transport is improved, but the cladding becomes vulnerable to damage from forces transmitted through floor coverings
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding is constructed as a composite structure combining a thin outer layer for flexibility with an integrated force distribution layer containing a foam material. This composite design allows the cladding to remain thin and rollable while the foam layer provides cushioning and distributes concentrated loads over a larger area, preventing damage to the heating element beneath.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is placed close to the floor covering to improve heat transfer efficiency, then heat distribution is improved, but the heating element becomes more susceptible to damage from forces exerted on the floor covering
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution layer acts as an intermediary between the floor covering and the heating element. This layer, containing a foam material, is positioned between the thin cladding and the heating element to absorb and distribute forces exerted on the floor covering, thereby protecting the heating element while allowing the heating element to remain close to the floor covering for efficient heat transfer.
3Ease of manufacture
If a force distribution layer with uniform thickness is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but point loads are not effectively distributed to protect the heating element
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution layer is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a first sublayer and a second sublayer with different thicknesses. The second sublayer, which is thicker, is positioned at locations where point loads are most likely to occur or where the heating element is most vulnerable. This localized variation in thickness provides enhanced protection at critical points while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through a structured two-layer approach.
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 system allows for the use of various types of floor coverings with reduced risk of damage to the heating element, providing efficient heat distribution and flexibility for installation, while being easy to roll up and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (11) extending between the cladding (12) and the insulating layer (10)
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer (10) which is intended for laying on a floor (2)
Implementation Method 3
a force distribution layer (13) for transmitting a force which is exerted on the cladding (12) in a distributed manner to the insulating layer (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The roll-up floor heating comprises an insulating layer, a heating element and a cladding. The insulating layer is intended for laying on a floor and the heating element extends between the cladding and the insulating layer. The cladding is intended to support a floor covering and comprises a force distribution layer for transmitting a force which is exerted on the cladding in a distributed manner to the insulating layer. In as far as (a part of) the heating element is at the location or in the vicinity of the exerted force, the load which will be exerted on it will be lower than the original load, due to the force being transmitted in a distributed manner. This lowers the risk of the heating element being damaged.