Connector Heating via Helical Spring Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle connector arrangements for aqueous urea solutions are inefficient and costly due to separate heating requirements for connectors and media lines, often resulting in inadequate and complex heating solutions.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a heat-conducting element with a helical spring design that extends into both the media line and the connector, where the media line is electrically heated, indirectly heating the connector without additional active heating, simplifying and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate heating means are used for both the connector and the media line, then heating coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function for both the media line and connector into a single heating means. The heating element is integrated into the connector assembly, allowing it to heat both the media line (through direct contact) and the connector (through thermal conduction) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating means is designed to perform multiple functions: it heats the media line directly where it contacts the heating element, and simultaneously heats the connector through thermal conduction. This multi-functional approach allows one component to address multiple heating requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If separate heating means are used for connector and media line, then heating completeness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heating functions into a single heating means, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant parts and simplifying the assembly process.
3Temperature
If a heat-conducting sleeve is used to transfer heat, then heat distribution is improved, but reliability of heating is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the connector body itself as a thermal intermediary to transfer heat from the heating element to the connection area. This approach provides more reliable heating compared to a separate heat-conducting sleeve because the connector body is an integral part of the assembly, ensuring consistent thermal contact and more dependable heat transfer.
4Ease of operation
If the heat-conducting element is designed as a helical spring, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-conducting element is designed as a helical spring, which provides dynamic flexibility and elasticity. This allows the element to adapt to slight variations in assembly tolerances and maintain reliable thermal contact without requiring extremely precise manufacturing, as the spring can compensate for minor dimensional variations.
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
This solution provides effective and reliable heating for both the media line and connector, eliminating the need for complex additional heating, while maintaining functional reliability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the media line 2 is electrically heated with the aid of a heating wire 9
Implementation Method 2
the heat conducting element 3 is arranged in the transition region 4 between the media line 2 and the connector 1... the heat conducting element extends with a first heat conducting section 5 into the media line 2 and with a second heat conducting section 6 into the connector 1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Connector arrangement or automotive connector arrangement with at least one connector and at least one media line connected to the connector. The media line is electrically heated, with a heat-conducting element arranged in the transition area between the connector and the media line. The heat-conducting element extends with a first heat-conducting section into the media line and with a second heat-conducting section into the connector. The electrical heating of the media line heats the heat-conducting element, or heats it indirectly, and in particular heats it up to the area of the connector.