Overlapping Apron and Floor Heat Shields for Motor Vehicle Thermal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle designs fail to effectively protect the passenger compartment from heat emitted by the powertrain and exhaust system, despite soundproofing efforts, and must not interfere with essential vehicle components like hydraulic braking circuits.

Innovation Solution

A thermal protection device comprising an apron heat shield and a floor front heat shield, with a unique overlapping edge design to deflect heat away from the passenger compartment, allowing for passage of necessary vehicle elements and maintaining comfort without obstructing conduits or other operational components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating mats or insulating coatings are used to protect the passenger compartment from heat, then thermal protection is improved, but the protection fails or deteriorates over time under sustained heat exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat protectionVSAvoidduration of protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal protection system is divided into multiple segments: an apron heat shield with main panel and lower edge, a floor heat shield, and overlapping sections. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific heat exposure zones, improving overall durability and protection duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shields are constructed from composite materials designed to withstand sustained high temperatures. The apron heat shield and floor heat shield use heat-resistant materials that maintain protective properties over time, unlike single-layer insulating mats that degrade

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a complete thermal protection barrier is installed, then heat protection is improved, but the arrangement of conduits and operational elements is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat protectionVSAvoidconduit arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apron heat shield's lower edge is divided into two parts: a first upstream part shaped as a deflector and a second downstream part that overlaps with the floor heat shield. This segmentation creates channels and passages that allow conduits to pass through while maintaining thermal protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the heat shields have different geometries optimized for specific functions: the deflector portion directs heat away, the overlap area provides continuous protection, and cutouts in the apron heat shield allow conduit passage. Each local area has quality tailored to its specific requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 thermal protection device effectively reduces heat exposure to the passenger compartment while allowing for the operation and maintenance of essential vehicle components, enhancing passenger comfort and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a first upstream part among the two parts is upstream of the floor screen by being shaped as a deflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat deflection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a device for the thermal protection of the passenger compartment, the thermal protection device comprising thermal protection means arranged on the one hand below the floor of the vehicle and on the other hand, on the engine compartment side, under the bulkhead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2918451B1Motor vehicle with a heat shield for protecting the passenger compartment thereof
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2918451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an engine compartment separation apron (T) relative to the front of a passenger compartment (H) of the vehicle, a floor at the rear of the apron (T), at the bottom of the passenger compartment, and a device for the thermal protection of the passenger compartment, the thermal protection device comprising thermal protection means disposed on the one hand below the floor (P) of the vehicle and on the other hand, on the engine compartment side, under the apron (T).The thermal protection means include a front apron heat shield (1) having a main panel (11) disposed along the apron (T) and a front floor heat shield (2) disposed below the front of the floor (P) of the vehicle, the front apron heat shield (1) having a lower edge in two parts (12, 13) by which it corresponds by overlap with the front floor heat shield (2), a first upstream part among the two parts (12) being shaped as a deflector and a second downstream part (13) among the two parts extending the first part (12) by determining an overlap area (132) with the front floor heat shield (2) by extending over the front of this heat shield (2).