Grounded Shielding Layer in Sauna IR Heating Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sauna heating systems generate low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which poses health concerns due to high magnetic field levels, and existing solutions have limitations in effectively reducing these emissions.
Innovation Solution
Infrared heating panels with a conductive shielding layer electrically coupled to earth ground are used to overlay and cover the IR heating elements and power buss, forming an electric field shielding plane that harnesses and shunts electric field charges, thereby reducing electric field emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conductive shielding layer is added to reduce electric field emissions, then electromagnetic radiation exposure is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shielding layer is integrated within the multi-layer panel structure, nested between the substrate and the infrared-transmissive layer. This nesting approach incorporates the shielding function without adding external components, thereby reducing electric field emissions while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive shielding layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces electric field emissions, maintains structural integrity of the panel, and allows infrared radiation transmission. This multi-functionality approach addresses the harmful electromagnetic radiation while avoiding unnecessary complexity by combining multiple benefits in a single layer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding layer is placed close to the heating elements, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shielding layer is combined with the panel's structural layers in a multi-layer construction, where it is integrated between the substrate and the infrared-transmissive layer. This merging approach maintains close proximity to heating elements for effective shielding while utilizing the panel's existing layered architecture to reduce manufacturing precision requirements compared to separate shielding components.
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 solution significantly reduces electric field emissions from infrared heating panels, enhancing user safety by minimizing exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic radiation while maintaining effective IR radiation delivery for heating.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive shielding layer electrically coupled to earth ground is provided overlaying the IR heating elements and the power buss. The shielding layer is configured to harness and shunt electric field charge emitted by the power buss or the IR heating elements.
Implementation Method 2
Some types of radiant heat systems have been designed to employ infrared (IR) heating panels to generate electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum. When absorbed by the body of a sauna user, the IR radiation excites the molecules within the body to generate warming.
Implementation Method 3
electrically-energized heaters have been developed and have gained popularity for their use in saunas. Some of these include electrically-resistive heaters
Data Source
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AI summary
An infrared (IR) heating panel for a sauna, including a thermally and electrically insulating substrate, a power buss, at least one IR heating element electrically coupled to the power buss and supported by the substrate, at least one return element electrically coupled to the power buss and the at least one IR heating element, and a shielding layer substantially covering the at least one IR heating element. The at least one IR heating element is configured to emit IR radiation when an electrical current is passed there through, and the shielding layer is arranged such that the at least one IR heating element is disposed between the shielding layer and the substrate. The shielding layer is electrically coupled to ground and configured to harness and shunt electrical field charge emitted by the at least one IR heating element.