SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE THERMAL CONTROL OF AN EXTERIOR COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

A system (100) for the thermal management of an external component (210) of a vehicle is described. The system (100) comprises channels (110) arranged along the circumferential sides of the external component (210); a phase-change material (120) configured within the channels (110) to absorb heat from the external component (210) when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value; and heating elements (130) arranged within the channels (110) to heat the phase-change material (120) when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value. The system (100) helps to maintain the temperature of the external component (110) within a range between the first and second predefined temperature values ​​to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component (210).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of thermal management systems. In particular, it relates to a system and a method for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle, which mitigates undesirable expansion and contraction of the external component under changing temperature conditions. BACKGROUND

[0002] Luxury vehicle manufacturers are placing increasing emphasis on the aesthetics of their vehicles, particularly regarding exterior components that enhance their appearance. These components, such as the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper trim (upper and lower), antenna cover, and rear spoiler, are typically made from reinforced composite materials due to their strength and light weight.

[0003] However, when these reinforced plastic exterior components are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, they tend to change their shape and size due to the expansion and contraction behavior of reinforced plastics. At excessively high ambient temperatures, these components expand, while at low temperatures they contract. This phenomenon, known as thermal creep, disrupts the alignment, gap, and flushness between the exterior components and surrounding structures such as the hood, fenders, and headlights, resulting in noticeable gaps in the bodywork. Such temperature-related fluctuations in flowability detract from the vehicle's aesthetics and lead to a deterioration in the customer experience.

[0004] In the past, efforts have been made to overcome the aforementioned problems related to external components in vehicles. For example, patent US10618486B2 discloses a vehicle structure mounted behind a bumper and made of composite material. A computer controls the structure's stiffness using a shape-memory polymer (composite material) depending on the vehicle speed. The stiffness of this structure can be regulated by heating or cooling it. However, this is primarily done to reverse deformation of the structure in the event of an impact. Thus, the cited reference does not provide a solution to the aforementioned problems related to the thermal management of external components in vehicles.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved solution that mitigates the effects of thermal creep and preserves the aesthetic integrity and quality of the vehicle's exterior skin. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0006] A general object of the present invention is to reduce undesirable expansions and contractions in external components of vehicles under changing ambient temperatures.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to ensure the alignment, distance and fit of external components to adjacent components in vehicles, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method that keeps the temperature of the external component in a safer range in order to prevent thermal expansion and contraction and thereby avoid thermal creep and fit problems.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method that keeps the outer component warm in cold ambient conditions to prevent thermal contraction of the component, and keeps it colder in hot ambient conditions to prevent expansion of the outer components.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for the thermal management of external components in vehicles that can be easily integrated into external components of a vehicle without significant changes to the vehicle design. SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of thermal management systems. In particular, it relates to a system for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle, which mitigates undesirable expansion and contraction of the external component under changing temperature conditions.

[0012] According to one aspect, a system is provided for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle. The system comprises one or more channels configured to be positioned along one or more peripheral sides of the external component. The system further includes a phase-change material that can be configured within the one or more channels to absorb heat from the external component when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value.

[0013] The system also includes one or more heating elements located in one or more channels. These heating elements heat the phase-change material when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value.

[0014] The absorption of heat from the external component when the ambient temperature exceeds the first predefined temperature value, and the heating of the phase change material when the ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value, helps to maintain the temperature of the external component within a range between the first and second predefined temperature values. This helps to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component and to ensure the alignment, spacing, and fit of the external component with adjacent components in vehicles, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0015] In one embodiment, the system can include at least one temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature.

[0016] In one embodiment, the outer component can be made of a reinforced composite material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the outer component may be a front bumper assembly, a rocker panel assembly, a rear bumper, an antenna cover, and a rear spoiler. The front bumper assembly may include a front apron and a grille. The rocker panel assembly may include rocker panel trim and a door panel. The rear bumper may include upper and lower trim.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system may include a control unit that can be functionally connected to the one or more heating elements and the at least one temperature sensor. The control unit can be configured to facilitate the flow of electrical current from a power source through the one or more heating elements when the ambient temperature measured by the at least one temperature sensor falls below the second predefined temperature value.

[0019] According to one aspect, a method for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing one or more channels along one or more circumferential sides of the external component, followed by providing one or more heating elements in the one or more channels.

[0020] The process further includes the step of filling one or more channels with a phase change material to absorb heat from the external component when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value.

[0021] The method further includes the step of heating the phase change material in the one or more channels by passing a current through the one or more heating elements when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value.

[0022] The absorption of heat from the external component when the ambient temperature exceeds the first predefined temperature value, and the heating of the phase change material when the ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value, helps to maintain the temperature of the external component within a range between the first and second predefined temperature values ​​in order to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component and thereby ensure the alignment, spacing and fit of the external components with the adjacent components in vehicles regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method may include the step of providing at least one temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of operationally coupling one or more heating elements and the at least one temperature sensor with a control unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method may further include the steps of the control unit comparing the temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor with the second predefined temperature value, followed by the step of the control unit facilitating the flow of electric current from a power source through the one or more heating elements when the ambient temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor falls below the second predefined temperature value.

[0026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which identical numbers represent identical components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams serve only for illustration and thus do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary schematic view of a system for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the channel connected to the proposed system in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the proposed system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the proposed system, which describes a method for the thermal management of the external component in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, this level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0029] The embodiments described here relate to thermal management systems. Specifically, they concern a system for the thermal management of an external vehicle component, which mitigates undesirable expansion and contraction of the external component under changing temperature conditions.

[0030] According to one aspect, a system and method for the thermal management of an external vehicle component are disclosed. This system prevents the thermal expansion and contraction of the external component by absorbing heat from the external component using a phase-change material when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value, and by dissipating heat using heating elements when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value. This helps to maintain the temperature of the external component within a safe range, thereby preventing thermal creep and ensuring the alignment, spacing, and fit of the external components with adjacent components in vehicles, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0031] With reference to Fig. In documents 1A to 2, a system 100 for the thermal management of an external component 210 of a vehicle 200 is disclosed. The system 100 ensures the alignment, spacing, and fit of the external component 210 to adjacent components in the vehicle 200 regardless of temperature fluctuations by maintaining the temperature of the external component 210 within a safe range.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system 100 can comprise one or more channels 110 (here collectively referred to as channel or channels 110) that can be safely positioned or extended along one or more peripheral sides of the outer component 210 of the vehicle 200, as shown in Fig. 1B shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer component 210 can be made of a reinforced composite material that can expand when heated.

[0033] Furthermore, the system 100 can contain a phase-change material 120, which is located within the channels 110, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the system can be configured to absorb heat from the external component 210 when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value. Furthermore, the system 100 can include one or more heating elements 130 (here collectively referred to as heating element or heating elements 130) located within the area shown in Figure 1B. Fig. The channels 110 shown in Figure 1B can be used to heat the phase-change material 120 when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating elements 130 can be a solid wire or a wound wire with a predefined resistance. The heating elements 130 can be electrically connected to a power source 140, which can be configured to conduct electrical current through the heating elements 130 to enable heat generation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tubes 110 can be a hollow longitudinal element with a cylindrical or substantially rectangular cross-section, but are not limited to such shapes. The tubes 110 can be made of a thermally conductive but electrically insulating material to allow heat exchange but prevent electric shock from the heating elements 130. Furthermore, the conduit 110 can be made of a durable and flexible material to allow installation on the external component while securely holding the internal phase-change material 120 and the heating element 130. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the heating element 130 can extend coaxially through the channel 110, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, the phase change material 120 can be filled into the gap, so that the channel 110 and the heating element 130 remain in thermal contact via the phase change material 120.

[0035] In one embodiment, the system 100 can comprise at least one temperature sensor 150 (here also referred to as temperature sensor 150) which can be arranged on the surface of the external component 210 to detect the ambient temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 150 can be pre-programmed with the first and second predefined temperature values, so that it can only send temperature readings to the system 100 when the measured temperature deviates from the range between the first predefined temperature and the second predefined temperature. In another exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 150 can be selected from a group that includes, but is not limited to, a thermocouple, an infrared sensor, and a semiconductor-based sensor.

[0036] In one embodiment, the system 100 can include a control unit 160 that can be connected to the heating elements 130, the temperature sensor 150, and the power source 140. The control unit 160 can be configured to actuate the power source 140 and the heating elements 130 based on the temperature readings received from the temperature sensor 150. Accordingly, the control unit 160 can be configured to facilitate the flow of electrical current from the power source 140 through the heating elements 130 when the detected ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 160 can be connected to one or more thermal expansion sensors and strain gauges provided on the vehicle 200 to detect the thermal expansion and contraction of the external component 210. Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 160 can be an electronic control unit of the vehicle 200; however, the control unit 160 can also be an external computing device comprising one or more processors coupled to a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the processors, cause the control unit 160 to perform one or more specific operations.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit 160 can be configured to allow the flow of electrical energy with predefined electrical attributes (current, voltage, power) from the energy source 140 to the heating elements 130, thereby ensuring that the heating elements 130 adequately heat the external component 210 and keep it within the safe range. In one exemplary embodiment, the energy source 140 can be a battery connected to the vehicle; however, in other embodiments, the system 100 can include an additional battery as the energy source 140 without restriction.

[0039] In one embodiment, the outer component 210 can be a front bumper assembly, a sill assembly, or a rear bumper assembly, but is not limited to such components. Furthermore, the front bumper assembly can comprise a front apron and a radiator grille. The sill trim can comprise a sill panel and a door panel. The rear bumper can comprise an upper and a lower front apron.

[0040] It is to be understood that, while various embodiments have been described herein for the channels 110 extending along the circumference of the external component, the channels 110 can also be arranged in a wave-like pattern over a surface area of ​​the external component 210 in order to keep the temperature of the external component 210 within the safe range, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations.

[0041] In one implementation, the channels 110 can be attached to the external component 210 using one or more mounting devices (not shown), so that the channels 110 remain in thermal contact with the component 210. Alternatively, the channels 110 can also be attached to the external component 210 using a thermally conductive adhesive, so that the channels 110 remain in thermal contact with the component 210.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Reference 3 discloses a method 300 for the thermal management of an external component 210 of a vehicle 200. The method 300 can include one or more channels 110, one or more heating elements 130, the phase change material 120, the control unit 160 and other components connected to the system 100 to keep the temperature of the external component 210 within a safe range.

[0043] The method 300 can include a step 310 in which the channels 110 are provided along one or more circumferential sides of the outer component 210 of the vehicle 200, but the channels 110 can also be provided in a wave-like pattern over a surface area of ​​the outer component 210.

[0044] Furthermore, the method 300 can include a step 320 of providing the heating elements 130 in the channels 110, followed by a step 330 of filling the phase change material 120 into the channels 110 to absorb heat from the external component 210 when an ambient temperature around the component 210 exceeds a first predefined temperature value.

[0045] If the ambient temperature around component 210 falls below a second predefined temperature value, the method 300 can also include a step 340 to heat the phase change material 120 in the channels 110 by passing an electric current through the heating elements 130.

[0046] If the ambient temperature detected by the control unit 160 using the temperature sensor 150 is below the second predefined temperature value, the method 300 may include the step of facilitating the flow of electric current through the one or more heating elements 130 in order to maintain the temperature of component 210 above the second predefined temperature value. If the ambient temperature detected by the control unit 160 using the temperature sensor 150 is above the first predefined temperature value, the method 300 may further include the step of allowing the phase-change material 120 to automatically absorb heat from component 210 in order to maintain the temperature of component 210 within the safe range.

[0047] The absorption of heat from the external component 210 when the ambient temperature exceeds the first predefined temperature value, and the heating of the phase change material when the ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value, helps to keep the temperature of the external component in a safe range between the first and the second predefined temperature value in order to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component and thus to ensure the alignment, spacing and fit of the external components with the adjacent components in vehicles regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0048] The control unit 160 can be configured to control the power source 140 and the heating elements 130 based on temperature readings received from the temperature sensor 150. Accordingly, the control unit 160 can be configured to facilitate the flow of electric current from the power source 140 through the heating elements 130 when the detected ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value. In one embodiment, the method 300 can include the steps of the control unit 160 comparing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 150 with the second predefined temperature value, followed by the step of the control unit 160 facilitating the flow of electric current from the power source 140 through the heating elements 130 when the detected ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value.

[0049] Therefore, the above system 100 and method 300 regulate the undesired expansion and contraction of the outer component 210 by maintaining its temperature between the first and second predefined temperature values ​​to ensure that the distance and flushness between the outer component 210 and the adjacent components remain constant. The effect of ambient temperature fluctuations on the seal is minimized.

[0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention reduces the undesirable expansion and contraction of external vehicle components under changing temperature conditions.

[0052] The present invention ensures the alignment, spacing and fit of external components to adjacent components in vehicles regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0053] The present invention provides a system and a method that keeps the temperature of the outer component within a safe range to prevent thermal expansion and contraction, thereby avoiding thermal creep and fit problems.

[0054] The present invention provides a system and a method that keeps the outer component warm under cold conditions to prevent thermal contraction of the component, and keeps it colder under hot conditions to prevent expansion of the outer component.

[0055] The present invention provides a system and a method for the thermal management of external components in vehicles, which can be easily integrated into external components of a vehicle without significant changes to the vehicle design. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10618486B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] System for the thermal management of an external component of a vehicle, wherein the system (100) comprises: one or more channels (110) arranged along one or more circumferential sides of an outer component (210) of the vehicle (200); a phase-change material (120) configured in the one or more channels (110) to absorb heat from the external component (210) when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value; and one or more heating elements (130) located in the one or more channels (110) to heat the phase change material (120) when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value; wherein the absorption of heat from the external component (210) when the ambient temperature exceeds the first predefined temperature value, and the heating of the phase change material (120) when the ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value, contributes to maintaining the temperature of the external component (110) in a range between the first and the second predefined temperature value in order to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component (210) and to maintain a gap and flushness between the external component (210) and one or more adjacent components of the vehicle (200). [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises at least one temperature sensor (150) configured to determine the ambient temperature. [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the outer component (210) consists of a reinforced composite material which tends to expand when heated. [4] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the outer component (210) is one of the following: a front bumper assembly comprising a front apron and a radiator grille, a rocker panel assembly comprising a rocker panel and a door panel, a rear bumper comprising an upper front apron and a lower front apron, an antenna cover and a rear spoiler. [5] System (100) according to claim 1, comprising a control unit (160) functionally connected to the one or more heating elements (130) and the at least one temperature sensor (150), wherein the control unit (160) is configured to facilitate the flow of electric current from a power source (140) through the one or more heating elements (130) when the ambient temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor is below the second predefined temperature value. [6] Method (300) for thermal management of an external component (210) of a vehicle (200), wherein the method (300) comprises the following steps: Providing (310) one or more channels (110) arranged along one or more circumferential sides of the outer component (210); Provision (320) of one or more heating elements (130) in the one or more channels; Filling (330) the one or more channels (110) with a phase-change material (120) to absorb heat from the external component (210) when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predefined temperature value; and Heating (340) the phase change material (120) in the one or more channels (110) by passing a current from a power source (140) through the one or more heating elements (130) when the ambient temperature falls below a second predefined temperature value; wherein the absorption of heat from the external component (210) when the ambient temperature exceeds the first predefined temperature value, and the heating of the phase change material (120) when the ambient temperature falls below the second predefined temperature value, contributes to maintaining the temperature of the external component in a range between the first and the second predefined temperature value in order to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the external component (210) and to maintain a gap and flushness between the external component (210) and one or more adjacent components of the vehicle (200). [7] Method (300) according to claim 6, comprising the step of providing at least one temperature sensor (150) configured to detect the ambient temperature. [8] Method (300) according to claim 6, comprising the step of configuring one or more channels (110) along one or more circumferential sides of the outer component (210) which are made of a reinforced composite material which tends to expand when heated. [9] Method (300) according to claim 6, comprising the step of operationally coupling one or more heating elements (130) and at least one temperature sensor (150) with a control unit (160). [10] Method (300) according to claim 9, comprising the step of comparing the temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor (150) with the second predefined temperature value by the control unit (160) and facilitating the flow of the electric current through the one or more heating elements (130) by the control unit (160) when the ambient temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor (150) is below the second predefined temperature value.

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