Electric auxiliary heating device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of electric auxiliary heating devices for motor vehicles is complex and expensive due to the intricate integration of various elements.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a casing with a heating compartment and connection interface featuring chamfered slots and insertion studs, facilitating easier assembly by guiding and securing the heating modules within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional assembly methods are used for auxiliary heating devices, then the device structure is stable, but the assembly process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection interface directly into the housing structure, merging previously separate components (housing and connection interface) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is pre-formed as an integral part of the housing during manufacturing, rather than being assembled separately. The slots and insertion studs are built into the housing structure in advance, allowing the heating module to be simply inserted without complex alignment or fastening operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the connection interface, then the device is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is merged with the housing into a single monolithic component. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability through the robust integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, encloses the heating module, and incorporates the connection interface for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable connections.
3Device complexity
If the connection interface is integrated into the housing, then the assembly is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slots and insertion studs are pre-formed as integral features of the housing during the housing manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the relative positions and alignments are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment operations and reducing the actual assembly complexity.
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, reducing costs and enhancing the integration of heating modules into the vehicle's HVAC system while maintaining effective thermal energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating module inserted into said heating compartment, said heating module being able to convert an electric current into thermal energy
Data Source
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.