Electric heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for motor vehicles face issues with water infiltration through the control connector in wet conditions, leading to potential dust and water ingress, which compromises the sealing and protection index of the device.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a skirt around the control connector, made from the same material as the housing, ensures a good seal by filling the space between the connector and the housing, allowing for an IP52 protection index, with a preferred space of 0.5-1 mm and a height of 120-80% of the control connector, and featuring a recess for easy connector disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control connector protrudes from the housing to enable control connections, then the device can be controlled externally, but water and dust can infiltrate through the control port between the connector and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a skirt extending from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the control connector axis, creating a new spatial dimension that blocks water and dust pathways without interfering with connector insertion or control signals
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt acts as an intermediary structure between the housing and the external environment, providing a protective barrier that mediates between the need for connector access and the need for sealing against water and dust
2Ease of operation
If the control connector protrudes from the housing, then external control is enabled, but the sealing at the control port is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the skirt provides primary environmental blocking, the seal element provides secondary contact sealing, and the connector provides electrical functionality, with each component addressing specific requirements without compromising others
3Device complexity
If no sealing structure is added at the control port, then the device structure remains simple, but water and dust infiltration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal element (such as a gasket or O-ring) that can deform to conform to the connector and housing surfaces, creating an effective seal against dust and water infiltration while adding minimal structural 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
The solution effectively prevents dust and water infiltration, enhancing the sealing and protection index of the heating device, making it suitable for use in motor vehicle HVAC systems by ensuring reliable operation in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating module (4) configured to transform an electric current into thermal energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric heating device (1) for heating an air flow in particular through a duct of a ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning installation of an automotive vehicle, the heating device (1) including at least one heating module (4) that is contained in a heating body (6), said heating body (6) comprising a housing (8) for controlling and supplying electrical power to the at least one heating module (4), said housing (8) comprising, in its interior, a printed circuit board (80) from which a power supply connector (82) and a control connector (84) protrude, said housing (8) also comprising a power supply opening (820) such that the power supply connector (82) emerges from said housing (8) and a control opening (840) such that the control connector (84) emerges from said housing (8), the housing (8) including a skirt (841) that protrudes in parallel to the control connector (84) on the periphery of the control opening (840), said skirt (841) being formed as a single part with the housing (8).