Under-Table Electric Heater With Reflective Thermal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating apparatuses for outdoor use, such as those in restaurants, are inefficient due to high energy consumption and poor heat distribution, often causing the heat source to become too hot for safe use and wasting energy by heating areas that do not require it.
Innovation Solution
An electric heating apparatus with a housing containing a low thermal conductivity material and heat radiation reflecting material, allowing heat to be directed through specific angular sections, preventing overheating and improving energy efficiency by focusing heat on the lower body areas while maintaining a safe surface temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a gas driven heater is arranged 2-3 meters above ground to heat a larger area, then the heating area is increased, but the coefficient of utilization decreases and the lower part of the body does not receive adequate heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical heating (heater above ground) to horizontal/under-table heating (heater beneath table), changing the spatial dimension of heat delivery. This allows heat to be directed precisely to the lower body area through the table structure, improving utilization while maintaining comfortable heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is positioned to provide localized heating to the lower body area through the table, rather than attempting to heat the entire surrounding area. This targeted approach improves energy utilization by concentrating heat where it is most needed.
2Loss of energy
If an electrical or gas driven heater is arranged underneath a table to heat the lower body area, then the coefficient of utilization is improved, but the heat source becomes too hot causing burn risks to persons touching the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with through-holes distributed across the surface. This segmentation allows heat to escape in controlled portions through multiple openings rather than concentrating heat in one location, reducing the temperature of any single point on the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the surrounding environment. It distributes and moderates the heat transfer, allowing thermal energy to reach the lower body area while preventing excessive surface temperatures that would cause burns.
3Ease of manufacture
If natural gas driven heaters are used for outdoor heating, then the acquisition cost is low, but the energy consumption is high and operation becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from natural gas to electricity, and optimizes the thermal delivery parameters through the housing design with through-holes. This allows for more efficient heat distribution and reduced energy consumption while maintaining effective heating performance.
4Area of stationary object
If common natural gas driven heaters are used with heat source arranged above ground, then a larger area can be heated, but the lower part of the body gets cold and the coefficient of utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heater provides localized heating to the lower body area through the table structure, addressing the specific need for warmth in that region. This targeted heating approach improves overall heating effectiveness even though the total area covered is reduced compared to overhead 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
The solution enhances energy efficiency by directing heat only where needed, preventing overheating, and ensuring safe operation, thus reducing energy consumption and improving comfort while maintaining safety.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface of the heat shielding means is applied with a layer of heat radiation reflecting material configured for reflecting the heat radiated from the heat source back against the inner part of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the heat shielding means comprises a layer of a material with a thermal conductivity lower than 2 [W·m−1·K−1]
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical heating apparatus for arranging under a table, the heating apparatus comprising a housing, at least one electrically powered heat source arranged inside said housing, and heat shielding means comprised in the housing and having a plurality of through holes configured for allowing heat radiation from the electrically powered heat source to pass, wherein the heat shielding means comprises a layer of a material with a thermal conductivity lower than 2 [W·m−1·K−1], and wherein the inner surface of the heat shielding means is applied with a layer of heat radiation reflecting material configured for reflecting the heat radiated from the heat source back against the inner part of the housing.