TV-Integrated Space Heater Assembly for Safer Room Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional space heaters are inefficient in distributing heat throughout a space, prone to overheating due to dust buildup, and can pose fire hazards, while lacking aesthetic appeal and integration with other devices.
Innovation Solution
A television/space heater combination device that includes a high-definition television integrated with a space heater, allowing for independent control of both components, with a frame for wall mounting and a video loop displaying a burning flame, enabling users to set temperature and operate the space heater separately or in conjunction with television use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional space heaters are used to heat areas of a building, then heating cost is reduced by heating only specific rooms, but the heaters tend to only heat the area immediately adjacent and don't distribute heat throughout the area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a television set and a space heater into a single integrated unit. The television housing serves as the structure for the space heater, with heating elements positioned within the television casing. This merging allows the device to function as both an entertainment device and a heating device, improving heat distribution throughout the room while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If space heaters are used to heat specific rooms, then overall heating cost is reduced, but the grill at the rear may become clogged with dust and the heater may overheat or catch fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of dust accumulation by incorporating a fan that actively draws air through the heating elements and exhausts it through grills. This continuous air flow prevents dust buildup on the rear grill and heating elements, eliminating the fire hazard associated with dust-clogged heaters while maintaining energy-efficient heating.
3Ease of operation
If space heaters are made portable and inexpensive, then they are popular and easy to move, but they are unattractive and lack aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a television set with a space heater, creating a device that combines functional heating with entertainment. The television housing provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, eliminating the unattractive appearance of conventional space heaters. The integrated design maintains portability while significantly improving aesthetic appeal through the familiar television form factor.
4Device complexity
If space heaters use electrical coils to generate heat, then they are simple and inexpensive, but they pose fire risks and overheating problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a fan that creates continuous air flow through the heating elements, providing active cooling and preventing overheating. The fan draws air through the electrical coils and exhausts it through grills, creating a feedback mechanism that regulates temperature and eliminates the fire risks associated with overheating simple electrical coil heaters.
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 efficient and safe heating with aesthetic appeal, allowing for temperature control and integration with other electronic devices, enhancing user convenience and safety by preventing overheating and fire risks.
Implementation Method 1
rectangular-shaped boxes made out of plastic or metal which house electrical coils that are heated with electricity
Implementation Method 2
Air is drawn into the interior of the box and is warmed as it passes over the coils
Data Source
AI summary
A television/space heater combination device for displaying image content and for heating air and method of using the same is presented. The television/space heater combination device includes a television, a space heater and, sometimes, a frame. The method of use includes activating the space heater; selecting a temperature value for the space heater; generating heat and distributing the same into a room from the space heater; activating the television; and displaying an image on a screen of the television while generating heat with the space heater. The displayed image may be an image of a wood or gas burning fireplace generated by a continuous video loop; or be images from regular television programming or images generated by data transmitted to the television by a remote computer.