CNT Composite Heat Generator Electrode Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating wires in vehicles have low thermal efficiency and a limited application range due to a smaller heat-generating area compared to the applied area, leading to inefficient heat distribution and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A heat generator using a Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) composite material with a specific electrode configuration, including outer and inner electrodes with different polarities, a connection part, and a bracket part that shields the electrodes, allowing for efficient heat generation and distribution across a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heating wire is used in conventional vehicles, then heating function is provided, but thermal efficiency is low due to heat-generating area smaller than applied area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CNT (carbon nanotube) composite material as the heating element instead of conventional heating wire. The CNT composite material is applied as a coating or layer on the heating surface, enabling the entire applied area to generate heat uniformly. This composite material approach transforms the heating mechanism from line-based (wire) to area-based (composite layer), significantly increasing the heat-generating area to match the applied area and improve thermal efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If heating wire is added to steering wheel or seat, then heating function is provided, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function directly into the existing structural components (steering wheel, seat, door handle, armrest) by applying CNT composite material coatings. Instead of adding separate heating wire assemblies with their own mounting, connection, and insulation requirements, the heating functionality is combined with the base material through coating processes, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating wire system with an electrothermal CNT composite material system. The conventional heating wire requires mechanical installation, connection to power sources, and insulation handling, whereas the CNT composite material can be applied through coating processes and activated electrically, substituting a complex mechanical assembly process with a simpler material application and electrical activation process.
3Ease of operation
If heating wire is applied to door handle or armrest, then passenger comfort is improved, but application range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The CNT composite material heating solution provides universal applicability across various vehicle interior components. The same CNT composite material can be applied to steering wheels, seats, door handles, armrests, and potentially other surfaces, creating a unified heating system architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the heating technology to be universally deployed throughout the vehicle interior, enhancing passenger comfort in multiple contact areas without requiring different heating solutions for different components.
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 CNT composite heat generator increases thermal efficiency, reduces air conditioning load, and provides uniform heat distribution, enhancing passenger comfort while simplifying the manufacturing process and installation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-generating area, which is heat-generated by a current flowing through a CNT composite material disposed between the outer electrode part and the inner electrode part
Data Source
AI summary
A heat generator using a Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) composite material includes: an outer electrode part; an inner electrode part which faces the outer electrode part and is spaced apart from the outer electrode part at a predetermined distance; a connection part which connects the outer electrode part with the inner electrode part; and a bracket part which is disposed in the outer electrode part and the inner electrode part including the connection part to shield the outer electrode part, the inner electrode part and the connection part from each other. A surface of the connection part does not face directly the outer electrode part and the inner electrode part. The outer electrode part and the inner electrode part include electrodes having polarities different from each other.