CNT Composite Electrode Carrier for Vehicle Armrest Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle heating devices face issues with low thermal efficiency, electrode exposure leading to electric defects, and stiffness deterioration in armrests due to heating lines, which restrict manufacturing processes and application range.
Innovation Solution
An electrode carrier using a CNT composite material is applied to the armrest, featuring a fixing member that stabilizes electrodes in a parallel configuration, minimizing support pinholes and preventing external exposure, while maximizing heat generation efficiency and design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heating lines are provided on armrest surface, then thermal efficiency is improved, but electrode exposure causes electric defects
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is nested within the armrest core part structure, with electrodes embedded in the core part rather than exposed on the surface. The insulating layer surrounds the electrodes, creating a nested configuration that maintains thermal efficiency while preventing electrode exposure and electric defects.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrodes and the external environment. This insulating layer prevents direct contact with electrodes, eliminating electric defects while allowing the heating element to maintain its thermal efficiency through the CNT composite material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heating lines are added to armrest, then heating function is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element, electrodes, insulating layer, and armrest core part are merged into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps for positioning electrodes on molds, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the heating function through the integrated CNT composite material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest core part serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the heating element, positions the electrodes, and prevents electrode exposure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and manufacturing steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining heating capability.
3Area of stationary object
If heating lines are provided on armrest, then heating coverage is improved, but stiffness of armrest core part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is localized to the surface layer of the armrest through the CNT composite material, while the core part maintains its structural stiffness. The insulating layer and electrode configuration are designed to provide heating coverage without compromising the mechanical properties of the armrest core part.
4Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are positioned on mold for heating element insert, then heating element manufacturing is simplified, but electrode parts are excessively exposed causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are nested within the armrest core part structure rather than being exposed on the surface. This nested configuration maintains ease of manufacturing through the integrated design while preventing electrode exposure and potential damage from the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer acts as an intermediary that protects the electrodes from external damage while allowing the heating element to function effectively. This protective layer eliminates the risk of electrode exposure without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 solution effectively stabilizes electrode positioning, enhances manufacturing efficiency, prevents electric defects, and maximizes heat generation efficiency while reducing material costs and improving armrest durability.
Implementation Method 1
the CNT composite material formed between the first electrode part 201 and the second electrode part 202, configured to generate heat when being electrified
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode carrier of a vehicle heating device applying a CNT composite material includes a first electrode part and a second electrode part having different polarities from each other and formed in a straight line along a length direction of a vehicle; a fixing member configured to fix the first electrode part and the second electrode part to the vehicle; and the CNT composite material formed between the first electrode part and the second electrode part, configured to generate heat when being electrified, and fixed to the vehicle.