Sauna Microprocessor Control with Pulse Width Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern sauna compartments experience uneven heat distribution, leading to a sudden chill when the infrared heater is turned off at the maximum temperature, and lack programmable temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a microprocessor and pulse width modulation system that allows for variable heat settings, real-time temperature display, and programmable timers, connected to a power unit with a microprocessor that controls multiple heating elements, ensuring continuous and even heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermostat is used to control the infrared heater at a maximum temperature of 120°F, then the temperature can be controlled, but the heat distribution becomes uneven and sudden temperature drops occur when the heater is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using multiple infrared heaters that are turned on and off in alternating cycles rather than having a single heater continuously on or off. This periodic operation of multiple heaters ensures continuous heat distribution while maintaining temperature stability, eliminating the sudden temperature drops that occur with traditional thermostat-controlled single heater systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating rocks placed in front of the infrared heaters. These heated rocks serve as thermal storage that continues to radiate heat even when the infrared heaters are turned off, providing a buffer that prevents sudden temperature drops and maintains stable heat distribution in the sauna compartment.
2Device complexity
If a single infrared heater is used with a thermostat, then the heating system is simple, but the heating experience is uncomfortable due to sudden temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single heater system into multiple infrared heaters that operate independently in alternating cycles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous heat output while reducing the complexity of temperature control, as each heater operates in a simplified on/off pattern rather than requiring complex variable power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heated rocks as an intermediary thermal storage medium between the infrared heaters and the sauna environment. These rocks absorb heat from the heaters and gradually release it, acting as a buffer that smooths out temperature fluctuations and provides continuous comfortable heating without requiring complex control 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
Provides a constant and comfortable heating experience with precise temperature control, allowing users to set programs for temperature and duration, reducing heat fluctuations and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a power unit associated with the control panel that allows high voltage to flow through multiple heating elements
Implementation Method 2
The control software includes a pulse width modulator output for causing the heating elements to emit variable power settings of heat
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel used in combination with a power unit to control the operation of a sauna. The control panel is equipped with a microprocessor that has software and proper circuitry to allow a user to use buttons to input information into the control panel regarding the time, temperature, and day on which heating within the sauna is to occur. Additionally, the power unit has a microprocessor with a pulse width modulation output that causes individual heating elements to continuously produce varying intensities of heat in order to maintain a consistent desired temperature, and/or intermittently radiate heat creating a wave of heat to be emitted by each individual heating element.