Vacuum Conformal Heating Device for Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating devices fail to conform and remain attached to surfaces while providing heat, requiring complex attachment devices and incurring time and cost inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with an airtight housing and conforming layer that uses vacuum evacuation to adapt to surface geometry, allowing the device to interlock and maintain shape while applying heat, eliminating the need for additional attachment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional heating devices are used, then heating function is provided, but the device cannot conform to and remain attached to the working surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vacuum pressure to collapse the conformal layer against the working surface, creating secure attachment without mechanical fasteners. The vacuum pump removes air from the cavity, allowing atmospheric pressure to press the flexible housing and conformal layer firmly against the surface being heated.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device utilizes a flexible conformal layer that can deform to match the contours of irregular surfaces. This thin, adaptable layer enables the device to conform to complex geometries while maintaining intimate contact for efficient heat transfer.
2Reliability
If complex attachment devices are used to attach heating device to working surface, then attachment is achieved, but time and costs are expended
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-based attachment system provides reliable holding force through pressure differential, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical attachment procedures. The vacuum pump quickly evacuates the cavity, and atmospheric pressure immediately secures the device to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformal layer with its inherent flexibility and the vacuum pressure work together to create self-adjusting attachment. The layer automatically deforms to fill gaps and conform to surface irregularities, providing secure attachment without requiring precise alignment or additional fastening operations.
3Temperature
If conventional heating devices are used, then heat is provided, but the device cannot remain conformed to the surface while providing heat
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal layer maintains continuous contact with the working surface during heating, ensuring consistent thermal coupling. The flexible nature of this layer allows it to accommodate surface variations while the heater embedded within delivers uniform heat distribution across the contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
Vacuum pressure maintains firm attachment between the heating device and working surface throughout the heating process, eliminating gaps that would cause thermal contact resistance. This secure bonding ensures consistent heat transfer from the heater to the workpiece.
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
Enables rapid attachment and detachment, efficient heat distribution, and adaptability to various geometric shapes, reducing installation time and costs while providing consistent heat application.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump in communication with the inner cavity and adapted to evacuate the inner cavity
Implementation Method 2
a heater disposed within the cavity for applying heat to structure
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for applying treatment to a structure includes a housing having a first membrane sealed to a second membrane for creating an airtight cavity therebetween for receiving a porous material and a working layer. The method includes the process of conforming the shape of the housing to the structure and applying a treatment thereafter to the structure.