"Little Sun" electric heater
Project Background
In the south of China (Shanghai, Zhejiang Province), there is no central heating in the old buildings. In winter, people can only use electric heaters and electric blankets to keep warm. Electric heaters consume a lot of electricity, but they are safe to use. Electric blankets can cause excessive dryness during sleep. The "Little Sun" is the heater that most people prefer. This is because it heats up quickly and uses less electricity. However, this product can cause fires. In the winter in southern China, the air is wet and the room temperature is low. Frostbite can develop on the skin. It is very uncomfortable and very bad for your health. So, in most unheated buildings, the question of how to save power and still be able to heat safely is a problem that needs to be solved.
Ideation
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The most primitive way for humans to keep warm was to gather twigs for a fire. One does not need many matches when one is alone.
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More branches need to be collected for warmth when there are more people. The more branches there are, the bigger the fire, which ensures that more people are kept warm.
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Based on the shape of a tree branch. Turn the user's action of needing to pick up a branch into a behavioral action of using the product. Modernize the branch shape. A branch can generate heat through the power supply. A branch is a basic element.
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When a basic element can be superimposed any number of times, such an element forms a shape. By adding "branches" it is possible to add more temperature.
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There is an old Chinese saying that when everyone adds fuel, the flame rises high. More heat can be generated by building a tree shape with more 'branches'. The inspiration for this concept came from Lego.
Paper models
The ceramic shape houses the heating plate inside. Each linked shape can be electrified. Each shape can be heated. Increases the heat of the interior space.
Through ceramic turning moulds. Made to shape.
When you are alone at home you can use a small amount of 'twigs' to keep warm. You can also increase the number of branches if it is too cold. You can also increase the number of "branches" when you have friends visiting. The "branches" can be taken to other rooms and kept warm for 5-10 minutes after being removed. The shape of the product can be displayed in the living room as a work of art, but it is also practical. It can be put together at will, solving the problem of traditional electric heaters that are large, unattractive, and power-hungry. It can also be placed in the bathroom as a heater on which towels can be dried.
Product Design
Project: Bachelor 5. Semester
Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle
Focus: Product Design/Industrial Design
Skills: Ceramic production + Heating technology
Time：09 - 01.2017