Rollable Polymer Carrier Mat Heating Element for Faster Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating or cooling elements for underfloor heating require complex installation processes, including cutting metal grids and connecting additional tubes, which are time-consuming and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A heating or cooling element comprising two polymer carrier mats and a tube positioned between them, kept in a meander or spiral form, allowing the element to be rolled up for easy transport and installation without the need for separate connection means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal grid carrier mats are used, then structural strength is provided, but cutting and installation becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, transforming the carrier mat from a rigid grid requiring cutting to a flexible material that can be easily shaped and installed without additional cutting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the carrier system into two separate polymer carrier mats (first and second carrier mats) that work together to hold the tube, allowing each mat to be independently optimized for flexibility and installation while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional tubes are connected to outer ends, then complete heating coverage is achieved, but mechanical attachment and positioning become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating coverageVSAvoidmechanical attachment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tube connection function into the carrier mat structure itself. The first and second carrier mats are connected to each other to directly hold the tube in place, eliminating the need for separate mechanical attachment means and simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If polymer material is used for carrier mats, then ease of installation and rolling is improved, but connection strength between mats must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates connection elements directly into the polymer carrier mats during manufacturing. These pre-integrated connection features ensure reliable bonding between the first and second carrier mats while maintaining the flexibility and ease of installation that polymer materials provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250198710A1Heating or cooling element

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 PC INVESTMENTS BV

AI summary

The invention pertains to a heating or cooling element comprising a first carrier mat, a second carrier mat, a first tube which is located in between the first and second carrier mat and kept in meander or spiral form to the first and second carrier mat, wherein the heating or cooling element can be rolled up; and wherein preferably the first and second 5 carrier mat is made of polymer material; the first carrier mat is connected to the second carrier mat to keep the first tube substantially in place.