Shower panel with infrared heating element

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infrared (IR) heaters for saunas are often too large or costly for installation in bathrooms or commercial facilities, limiting their accessibility for space and budget constraints, while also not utilizing available space effectively.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an infrared heater within a shower panel assembly that includes a deflection surface, allowing the heater to warm the shower space and redirect water to create a sauna-like experience with a 'rainfall' effect by deflecting water from the showerhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional infrared heaters are installed for saunas, then infrared heating benefits are achieved, but the space required and installation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared heating capabilityVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an infrared heater with a shower panel assembly, merging two separate functions (heating and showering) into a single integrated unit. The infrared heater is positioned within the panel assembly to warm the shower space while water flows over the deflection surface, creating a compact multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate sauna heater installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shower panel assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a shower component, a heating element, and a water deflection system. The panel assembly with its deflection surface redirects water to create a rainfall effect while the integrated infrared heater provides thermal heating, making the single device universally applicable for both showering and infrared therapy purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If conventional infrared heaters are installed for saunas, then infrared heating benefits are achieved, but installation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared heating capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an infrared heater with a shower panel assembly, merging two separate functions (heating and showering) into a single integrated unit. The infrared heater is positioned within the panel assembly to warm the shower space while water flows over the deflection surface, creating a compact multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate sauna heater installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shower panel assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a shower component, a heating element, and a water deflection system. The panel assembly with its deflection surface redirects water to create a rainfall effect while the integrated infrared heater provides thermal heating, making the single device universally applicable for both showering and infrared therapy purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If shower panel assembly includes deflection surface, then water redirection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater redirection capabilityVSAvoidpanel assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection surface features a curved or irregular profile designed to redirect water flow in specific patterns. The curved geometry naturally guides water from the showerhead across the panel surface and directs it to fall onto the user, creating a rainfall effect without requiring complex mechanical components or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 cost-effective and space-efficient solution for experiencing IR heating benefits, combining the warmth of an infrared heater with the refreshing 'rainfall' effect of water redirection, enhancing the showering experience while utilizing otherwise unused space.

Implementation Method 1

The infrared heater, located inside the panel assembly and above the deflection surface, produces infrared rays in the shower cell. The infrared rays heat the general space of the shower cell.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The deflection surface includes an irregular profile that contains various features that deflect the upward spray of water to fall down onto the user in the shower cell.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11484158B2Shower panel with infrared heating element

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A shower panel includes an infrared heater and a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a deflection surface. The infrared heater, located near the panel assembly, produces infrared rays in the shower cell. The infrared rays heat the general space of the shower cell. The deflection surface includes a profile that contains various deflection features that deflect the stream of water toward the user in the shower cell.