Strip heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strip heaters lack improved shock resistance and efficiency, and retrofitting underfloor heating is often not feasible, necessitating an alternative heating solution that can effectively heat rooms while ensuring safety and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A strip heater design featuring integral heating modules with a compact, one-piece aluminum extrusion construction, including a curved arm for enhanced shock resistance and air volume, and retaining springs for secure pipe connections, which improves mechanical stability and air circulation, allowing for targeted heating and homogeneous temperature distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional strip heaters are used without an arm structure, then the device complexity is lower, but the impact resistance and mechanical stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is integrated into the heating module as a one-piece extrusion, merging the structural support function with the heating element itself. This eliminates the need for separate arm components while providing enhanced impact resistance and mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm features a curved design with a rounded outer contour that defines an air volume between itself and the fins. This curved geometry not only improves aesthetic appearance but also enhances structural strength and defines airflow patterns for improved heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Power

If the heating module design is optimized for heat output, then the heating efficiency improves, but the risk of injury from exposed sharp edges increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat outputVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed with a curved outer contour that rounds off all sharp edges and corners of the heating module. This curved geometry eliminates injury risks from sharp edges while maintaining the structural integrity and heat output of the module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the mass of the heating module is increased for better thermal mass, then the heating efficiency improves, but the ease of installation and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating module is designed with an optimized mass range of 2-3 kg per meter, balancing thermal mass for efficient heating with sufficient lightness for easy installation. The aluminum extrusion material provides high strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining structural integrity while keeping the module manageable for installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If the water content is increased for better heat capacity, then the heating performance improves, but the weight and ease of installation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating performanceVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating module is designed with an optimized water content range of 0.4-0.6 liters per meter, balancing heat capacity for effective heating with sufficient lightness for easy installation. This parameter optimization ensures the module has adequate thermal mass without becoming excessively heavy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances shock resistance, reduces injury risk, improves indoor air hygiene by preventing dew point drops, and ensures more comfortable temperature distribution across the room height, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional heating methods.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of first fins is provided on a third side... A plurality of second fins and an arm are also provided on a fourth side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The heating module has bores for the hot water supply and bores for the return

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

A gap exists between the arm and the fins of the fourth side, creating an air space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4286751A1Strip heating
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SOKOTHERM GMBH
  • EP4286751A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286751A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286751A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a strip heater (10) with at least one heating module (100) which has a first and second side (110, 120) which are each essentially straight and parallel to each other, wherein the heating module (100) has a third side (130) with a plurality of first lamellae and a fourth side (140) with a plurality of second lamellae and an arm (141) which is spaced apart from the second lamellae, wherein the heating module has a first and second longitudinal bore (170, 180) for receiving a heating medium, wherein each heating module (100) is manufactured in one piece by means of an aluminum extrusion process.