Temperature control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heating and cooling systems for buildings, such as underfloor heating, face issues with mechanical failure due to shear stress and thermal expansion, particularly between the sub-floor and intermediate structure, which can lead to uneven temperature distribution and reduced service life of thermal elements.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with undulating channels and recesses that securely hold thermal elements without deformation, allowing for even heat distribution and accommodating thermal expansion, while also incorporating a stress mitigation layer and breathable design to facilitate adhesive drying and reduce thermal gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal elements are laid in serpentine fashion to distribute heating evenly, then temperature distribution is improved, but mechanical stress and risk of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular panels that can be assembled together. Each panel contains integrated channels that guide and support the thermal element, segmenting the overall system into manageable units that reduce mechanical stress concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the thermal element and the floor surface. It includes stress relief features such as compliant layers and expansion joints that mediate thermal expansion and contraction forces, protecting the thermal element from mechanical failure
2Stability of the object's composition
If projections are spaced to grip thermal elements firmly, then positioning stability is improved, but thermal element deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projections feature rounded contours and curved surfaces rather than sharp edges. This curvature allows the thermal element to conform smoothly to the projections during installation, providing stable positioning while minimizing stress concentration and deformation of the thermal element
Solution Approach 2:
The projections incorporate adjustable spacing and varying dimensions to optimize the balance between grip strength and deformation prevention. The geometry parameters of the projections can be modified to accommodate different thermal element types and installation requirements
3Strength
If intermediate structure is added between sub-floor and main floor, then protection and support are improved, but thermal stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates zones with different mechanical and thermal properties in different locations. Areas with higher thermal stress concentration have enhanced stress relief features such as compliant layers and expansion joints, while other areas provide rigid support, creating a non-uniform structure optimized for local conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses composite construction combining materials with different thermal and mechanical properties. This includes rigid support elements combined with compliant stress-relief layers, creating a multi-material system that simultaneously provides structural strength and thermal stress management
4Stability of the object's composition
If thermal elements are constrained to prevent movement, then installation security is improved, but thermal expansion accommodation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as expansion joints and compliant connections that allow the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction. These features provide controlled movement capability while maintaining overall installation security, enabling the structure to respond dynamically to temperature 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 the service life of thermal elements by reducing installation stress, improving heat transfer, and allowing the use of wet-type adhesives with larger tiles, thereby ensuring better thermal performance and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
electrically resistive heating cables
Implementation Method 2
pipes carrying a fluid or gas, that has been either heated or cooled by a connected heat source or heat sink
Implementation Method 3
distribute its heating or cooling as evenly as possible
Implementation Method 4
Heating and cooling systems, whether electrical or hydronic (water based), need to accommodate expansion and contraction of the various structural elements of the installation
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a heating or cooling system includes a plurality of projections designed to be capable of retaining one or more thermal elements positioned adjacent thereto. The projections are positioned so as to form a first set of substantially parallel undulating channels, each channel having one of the projections forming at least a part of the inner radius of each undulation, with each projection having a recess formed in a side wall thereof facing said channel. The undulations of the channel ensure that a thermal element positioned in the channel will make contact with the projections each time it has to bend around one, without requiring spacing of the projections to squeeze the thermal element. The thermal element can thus be held securely without any play (unwanted lateral movement) in a channel that is slightly wider than the thermal element. Recesses in the channels at the contact points also restrict movement in the vertical direction, thus preventing the thermal element from ‘popping out’ of the channel, while not requiring any restriction narrower than the thermal element.