Class a surface radiant heating system

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems face challenges in providing quick, efficient, and quiet heating, especially in applications with reduced waste heat, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, and they do not effectively address cold-soaked components with aesthetic surfaces, leading to delayed thermal comfort and increased energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A radiant heating system with A-surface components that use conductive strands embedded in fabric materials, controlled by a power supply and sensor system to provide targeted and efficient heating, maintaining an aesthetic appearance while avoiding direct contact and excessive heat exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a conventional HVAC system is used for heating, then the system can provide space heating, but the response time is long and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating function by integrating radiant heating elements directly into interior components (seats, steering wheel, dashboard) rather than using a centralized HVAC system. This allows localized, immediate heating of occupants and cold surfaces without warming the entire cabin space, significantly reducing response time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical HVAC system (blowers, ducts, vents) with an electrical radiant heating system using conductive strands embedded in fabric materials. This substitution enables direct electrical heating of specific zones, eliminating the time lag associated with mechanical air circulation and reducing overall energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If the heating system increases power output to warm cold surfaces quickly, then thermal comfort improves, but the risk of excessive heat exposure and discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface temperatureVSAvoidexcessive heat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature and proximity of occupants to heated surfaces. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to adjust power output in real-time, increasing heating when needed while preventing excessive temperatures that could cause discomfort or damage to A-surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adjusts its power output based on real-time conditions including occupant proximity, ambient temperature, and surface temperature. This dynamic control enables the system to provide aggressive heating when safe and reduce power when approaching unsafe levels, optimizing both comfort and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the conductive strands are exposed at the A-surface for heating, then heating efficiency improves, but the aesthetic appearance of the surface may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin fabric materials with embedded conductive strands that can be integrated into interior components while maintaining their aesthetic appearance. The fabric acts as a flexible shell that conceals the heating elements, allowing the strands to be exposed enough for efficient heat transfer while preserving the visual quality of the A-surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and electrical parameters of the conductive strands to optimize both heating efficiency and aesthetic appearance. This includes adjusting strand diameter, spacing, conductivity, and embedding depth to achieve sufficient heat transfer while minimizing visual impact on the finished surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system achieves fast and efficient occupant thermal comfort with low power consumption, targeting specific body segments and controlling surface temperatures to prevent discomfort, while reducing energy usage and response time.

Implementation Method 1

A power supply supplies electric power to the conductive strands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a radiant heating system for warming an occupant of an enclosed space includes a component with a layer forming a surface that faces the occupant... A power supply supplies electric power to the conductive strands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11827079B2Class a surface radiant heating system

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Radiant heating systems for warming an occupant of an enclosed space. The system includes a component with a surface that faces the occupant. The surface defines an A-surface quality meaning the surface is visible and is designed with styling objectives to have an aesthetic appearance. Conductive strands are exposed at the surface and a power supply supplies electric power to the conductive strands. A controller controls the electric power supplied to the conductive strands.