Sauna heating panel power distribution systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sauna systems generate high levels of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which poses health concerns and requires methods to reduce exposure, such as increasing distance, shielding, or EM cancellation schemes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a power feed configuration with twisted insulated conductors and a return conductor portion to reduce electromagnetic field emissions, including a thermal switch and containment system with nonconductive materials to minimize radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional AC power sources are used to power infrared heating panels, then the heating system can operate effectively, but high levels of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies EM cancellation schemes where additional conductors are positioned to generate electromagnetic fields that oppose and cancel the harmful low-frequency fields. This converts the harmful EM radiation into a beneficial cancellation effect, reducing net exposure while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate conductors and shielding materials between the power source and the user environment. These intermediaries serve as mediators that redirect or cancel electromagnetic fields, allowing the heating system to operate effectively while protecting users from excessive EM radiation exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If distance is increased between the heating panel and users to reduce EM radiation exposure, then electromagnetic field levels decrease, but heating effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing EM cancellation schemes, the patent allows heating panels to be positioned closer to users without increasing harmful exposure. The cancellation fields convert the potential harm of close proximity into a beneficial situation where effective heating is achieved while maintaining safe EM radiation levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding materials are added between users and heating panels to reduce EM radiation, then electromagnetic field levels decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the existing power feed conductors by positioning additional conductors within the same structural framework. This combines multiple functions (power delivery and EM cancellation) into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity compared to adding separate shielding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductors in the power feed serve dual functions: delivering electrical power to the heating panel and generating electromagnetic fields for cancellation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding components, maintaining system simplicity while achieving EM radiation reduction.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple conductors are added to the power feed for EM cancellation, then electromagnetic field emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EM cancellation conductors with the power feed structure, integrating multiple functions into a single component assembly. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate shielding components and simplifying the power delivery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power feed conductors are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical power delivery and electromagnetic field cancellation. This multi-functionality justifies the added conductors by providing dual benefits, effectively reducing EM emissions without requiring separate dedicated shielding systems.
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 configuration effectively reduces low-frequency electromagnetic field emissions, allowing heating panels to be positioned closer to users while minimizing exposure, enhancing heating effectiveness and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
The extension portion includes one or more insulated conductors also in a twisted configuration. The extension portion conductors extend over the substrate away from the first and the second terminals such that current flows in opposite directions through the extension portion in order to reduce electromagnetic field emissions generated by the power feed.
Implementation Method 2
Some types of radiant heat systems employ infrared heating panels to generate electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum. When absorbed by the body of a sauna user, the infrared radiation excites the molecules within the body to generate warming.
Implementation Method 3
Saunas using electrically energized heaters have been developed. These include electrically-resistive heaters and energized radiant heaters.
Data Source
AI summary
Power feed connections and sauna heating panels include a power feed having a first insulated conductor electrically coupled to a first terminal and a second insulated conductor electrically coupled to a second terminal. The first and second terminals are electrically coupled with at least one heating element. In some cases the power feed includes a supply portion, a connection portion, and an extension portion. The extension portion has one or more conductors in a twisted configuration extending away from the first and second terminals. In some cases the power feed includes an extension conductor portion coupled to a return conductor portion in a twisted configuration. The extension portion extends away from a second terminal past a second connection point and the return portion returns back to and connects to the second connection point at the second terminal. Methods for providing power connections to heating panels are also provided.