Electric auxiliary heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of additional electric heating devices for motor vehicles is complex and expensive due to the intricate mounting of various elements within the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning installations.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a casing with a heating compartment and connection interface featuring chamfered slots and integral insertion pads, along with guide pins and fins to facilitate easier assembly and secure the heating module within the HVAC duct, utilizing materials like polypropylene or polyamide filled with glass fibers for the casing and less heat-resistant materials for the connection interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used for additional heating devices, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the first plate provides structural support and covers the opening, the sheath provides electrical connection and positioning, and the insertion pads with chamfered edges provide guiding and securing functions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, electrical connectors, and alignment fixtures, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first plate for mechanical support, the sheath for electrical connection, and the insertion pads for positioning and securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated unit, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for connection and mounting, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface combines mechanical support, electrical connection, and positioning functions into a single integrated component manufactured from appropriate materials. This reduces the total number of parts, assembly steps, and potential failure points while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections through the integrated design
3Stability of the object's composition
If heating modules are securely fixed within the casing, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion pads are pre-formed with chamfered edges on the connection interface before final assembly. These chamfered edges create self-guiding features that automatically align the heating module with the connection interface during insertion, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or adjustable mounting fixtures while ensuring stable fixation
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 design simplifies the assembly process and reduces costs by providing a more straightforward integration of heating modules into the HVAC system, ensuring efficient thermal energy conversion and air flow management while maintaining structural integrity and heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating module (4) capable of transforming an electric current into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one insertion pad (85) of which at least one of the edges facing the slots (80) is chamfered
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric auxiliary heating device (1) for heating a flow of air passing through in particular a conduit of a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation of a motor vehicle, the auxiliary heating device comprising a casing that houses at least one heating module, said casing comprising: ° a heating compartment of which a first end (61) comprises an opening (600) and ° a connection interface (8) comprising: ▪ a first plate (86) that is essentially planar and extends essentially parallel to the opening so as to cover said opening, and ▪ a sheath (88) that extends in projection from the first plate (86) opposite the heating compartment, ▪ slots (80) passing through the first plate (86) and opening inside the sheath (88), the connection interface (8) comprising, on its internal face (89) that is oriented toward the heating compartment, at least one insertion stub (85) of which at least one of the edges facing the slots (80) is chamfered.