Sauna heating apparatus and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sauna heating technologies using electrical heaters face inefficiencies in heat distribution and electromagnetic interference, which can affect the overall heating experience and safety within sauna environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an infrared apparatus with conductive paths and resistive heating elements, where complementary magnetic fields are established between layers to enhance heat distribution and minimize electromagnetic interference, using a thermally and electrically conductive sheath filled with insulator material to radiate heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrical heaters are used for sauna heating, then heating function is provided, but electromagnetic interference occurs and heat distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic fields generated by electrical heating elements into beneficial infrared radiation for heating. By using oscillating current through conductive paths, the system generates electromagnetic fields that are transformed into infrared energy, turning the harmful EMI into the primary heating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional resistive electrical heating with an infrared heating mechanism using oscillating electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional heating while reducing harmful electromagnetic interference through controlled field generation and cancellation.
2Productivity
If pairs of heating elements with conductive paths are configured to create complimentary magnetic fields, then heat distribution is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple pairs of heating elements, each with separate conductive paths. This segmentation allows each pair to generate controlled electromagnetic fields that work together to create uniform infrared radiation distribution throughout the sauna space.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating element pairs are combined in a coordinated arrangement where their electromagnetic fields complement each other. The conductive paths are configured to create synergistic magnetic fields that enhance overall heating efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized pairing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are arranged in specific configurations to minimize EMI, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive paths are arranged in asymmetric configurations relative to each other, creating complementary magnetic fields that cancel harmful electromagnetic interference. This asymmetric layout is designed to optimize EMI cancellation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized component patterns.
4Reliability
If coiled wire is folded and attached to electrical insulator pieces, then heating element structure is optimized, but manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled wire is pre-formed and folded into the required configuration before attachment to electrical insulator pieces. This preliminary preparation ensures structural integrity and reliable electrical connections, while the standardized pre-forming process facilitates easier assembly during manufacturing.
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 solution provides uniform and efficient heat distribution, reducing electromagnetic interference and improving the overall heating experience while ensuring safety by minimizing electric field propagation.
Implementation Method 1
The first heating element has a first conductive path coupled to pass a current
Implementation Method 2
The second heating element has a second conductive path running adjacent to the first conductive path. The second heating element terminates an electric field produced within the first heating element
Implementation Method 3
The first conductive path is coupled to redirect the current to the second conductive path to set up complimentary magnetic fields between the first and second heating elements
Implementation Method 4
The placing includes placing the coiled wire within a thermally and electrically conductive sheath
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus to heat a body. A first conductive path and/or a second conductive path include a resistive heating element that produces heat from said current. The first conductive path is coupled to redirect the current to the second conductive path and set up complementapy magnetic fields between said first and second layers. A third layer substantially blocks an electric field produced from the resistive heating element included in the first layer and/or second layer.