Three-Dimensionally Curved Heater for Compact Fluid Heating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heaters face challenges in achieving miniaturization and improving heating efficiency, particularly when used for heating fluids, due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A heater with a base portion having a convex and concave curved surface, three-dimensionally bent, and equipped with heating elements on its surfaces, allowing for efficient heat transfer and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a PTC heater with heat exchange fins is used to heat fluids, then heating function is achieved, but miniaturization becomes difficult due to the three-dimensional arrangement of plate materials
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is designed with a three-dimensionally bent shape featuring a convex curved surface and a concave curved surface, replacing traditional flat plate structures. This curved configuration enables compact miniaturization while maintaining effective heat exchange functionality between the heater and fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The heater transitions from a two-dimensional flat plate structure to a three-dimensionally bent configuration. By utilizing spatial curvature in multiple dimensions, the heater achieves compact size reduction while preserving the heat exchange surface area and functionality
2Volume of moving object
If a heater with a flat plate-shaped base portion is used, then miniaturization is achieved, but heating efficiency of the fluid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The convex and concave curved surfaces of the base portion enhance fluid circulation and contact between the heater and fluid. This curved geometry promotes better heat transfer efficiency compared to flat plates, achieving both miniaturization and improved heating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensionally bent structure with convex and concave surfaces optimizes fluid flow dynamics around the heater. This configuration enhances convective heat transfer by improving fluid circulation patterns, thereby increasing heating efficiency in a compact form
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 proposed heater design achieves miniaturization while enhancing heating efficiency and fluid circulation, maintaining contact area without increasing dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base portion and the second surface side of the base portion
Implementation Method 2
a base portion presenting a plate-like shape, having a first surface which is a convex curved surface and a second surface which faces the first surface and is a concave curved surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A heater (1, 1a) according to the embodiment is a heater that contacts with a relatively flowing fluid (100) and heats the contacted fluid. The heater includes: a base portion (10, 11) presenting a plate-like shape, having a first surface which is a convex curved surface and a second surface which faces the first surface and is a concave curved surface, and the base portion being three-dimensionally bent; and at least one heating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base portion and the second surface side of the base portion.