Electric Fluid Heater Dual-Sensor Control for Overheating Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric fluid heating devices in motor vehicles lack the ability to directly regulate the temperature of the fluid being heated, relying on vehicle network control and lacking sensors to manage fluid temperature effectively, which can lead to overheating risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second temperature sensor at the fluid outlet and a control module that processes temperature information from both heating element and fluid sensors to adjust the heating elements' power supply, allowing for precise temperature regulation within the heating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is implemented directly on the heating element for temperature control, then the heating element temperature can be monitored to prevent overheating, but the fluid temperature cannot be regulated precisely and the sensor information is not used within the heater to regulate liquid temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a second temperature sensor measures the fluid temperature at the outlet and feeds this information back to the control module. The control module uses this feedback to adjust the power supplied to the heating element, thereby regulating the fluid temperature. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise fluid temperature control while maintaining heating element temperature monitoring.
2Extent of automation
If the temperature is managed by the car manufacturer through vehicle network control, then centralized control is maintained, but the heater lacks direct temperature management capability and cannot respond quickly to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control module directly within the heater assembly that can independently process temperature sensor data and adjust heating element power without waiting for vehicle network commands. This preliminary action capability allows the heater to respond immediately to temperature changes, while still being capable of receiving higher-level commands from the vehicle network when needed.
3Device complexity
If only one temperature sensor is used on the heating element, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature regulation precision is insufficient and overheating risks cannot be fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into two separate sensors: a first temperature sensor positioned on or near the heating element to monitor heating element temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned in the fluid flow path to monitor fluid temperature. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in measuring a specific temperature, improving overall measurement precision and enabling differentiated control strategies for each temperature parameter.
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 enables direct temperature management within the heating device, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring the fluid reaches the desired temperature setpoint, thereby enhancing heating efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating device, also called a heater or electric heater, which makes it possible to heat the passenger compartment of the vehicle, by supplying, by Joule effect, heat to the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric fluid heating device (1) comprising: - at least one fluid inlet (7), - at least one fluid outlet (11), - at least one heating element (13), - at least one first temperature sensor (21) for measuring the temperature of said at least one heating element (13), and - a control module (15) of the at least one heating element (13). According to the invention, - the device (1) comprises at least a second temperature sensor (23) for measuring the temperature of the fluid at the at least one outlet (11), and - the control module (15) comprises at least one processing means (17, 19, 35) for: • using the temperature information (T21, T23) from the temperature sensors (21, 24), and for • generating a command for the at least one heating element (13) according to the temperature information (T21, T23). The invention also relates to an associated heating circuit and method for managing the temperature.