A heating device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heating devices face challenges in configuring secure connections between positive terminal pins and power connectors due to limited space within or above the PCB casing, leading to potential damage to internal elements and lack of flexibility in positioning and configuring these components.

Innovation Solution

A heating device design where the terminal pin is connected to a bus bar extending out of the PCB casing, with a power connector housing located outside the casing, allowing for secure connections and flexible positioning without modifying the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the terminal pin and power connector are disposed inside the PCB casing, then the connection is compact, but there is insufficient space for secure connection and risk of damage to internal elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for connectionVSAvoidcasing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the terminal pin and power connector from a two-dimensional arrangement inside the PCB casing to a three-dimensional arrangement extending outside the casing. The terminal pin protrudes from the PCB casing, and the power connector is positioned externally, creating additional spatial dimensions for secure connection without increasing the footprint of the PCB casing itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the terminal pin and power connector connection interface from the confined internal space of the PCB casing. By positioning the terminal pin to extend outside the casing and the power connector externally, the connection elements are taken out of the restricted environment, providing sufficient space for secure engagement while isolating internal PCB elements from potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the PCB casing size is increased to accommodate terminal pin and power connector, then secure connection is achieved, but packaging space constraints are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcasing footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension and external space around the PCB casing to position the terminal pin and power connector. Instead of increasing the horizontal footprint of the casing, the terminal pin extends outward from the casing surface, and the power connector is positioned in the external three-dimensional space, achieving secure connection without expanding the casing's base area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal pin acts as an intermediary element that bridges the internal PCB circuitry and the external power connector. It extends from the PCB casing to provide a connection interface outside the casing, enabling secure engagement with the power connector while maintaining the original casing dimensions and protecting internal elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal pin and power connector are positioned flexibly, then configuration options increase, but positioning precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into distinct modular components: the PCB casing, the terminal pin extending from it, and the externally positioned power connector. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently with high precision, while the overall system maintains flexibility in configuration. The terminal pin's extension from the casing provides a standardized interface that can be adapted to different power connector positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides sufficient space for secure connections between the terminal pin and power connector, preventing damage to internal elements and enabling flexible configuration options for the terminal pin and power connector.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating element (20a, 20b, 20c)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3976406B1A heating device
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 VALEO AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING HUBEI CO LTD
  • EP3976406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976406B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3976406B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A heating device (100) for a vehicle, includes a Printed Circuit Board (11), at least one heating element (20a,20b,20c), a bus bar (30,31) and a terminal pin (42). The Printed Circuit Board (11) is received inside a casing (12) along one bus bar (30,31). The bus bar (30,31) includes at least one bus bar terminal (30a,30b,30c,31a,31b,31c), wherein at least one bus bar terminal (30a,30b,30c,31a,31b,31c) connects a corresponding heating element (20a,20b,20c) to the Printed Circuit Board (11). The terminal pin (42) is integrally formed with at least one bus bar terminal (30a,30b,30c,31a,31b,31c) and is disposed outside the casing (12).