Electric Heating Device Housing Skirt for Control Opening Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for motor vehicles are prone to water penetration through the control opening, especially in wet conditions, due to the gap between the control connector and housing, which compromises the sealing and protection rating.
Innovation Solution
The electric heating device incorporates a skirt projecting parallel to the control connector around the control opening, made in one piece with the housing, to create a seal when a dedicated connector is connected, limiting dust and water ingress, and achieving an IP52 protection rating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control connector projects from the housing at a control opening, then electrical control connection is enabled, but water and dust can penetrate into the control opening between the connector and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by projecting the skirt from the housing surface at the control opening. This vertical barrier extends beyond the housing face to create an overlapping seal with the dedicated connector, preventing water and dust from reaching the control opening while maintaining electrical connectivity through the control connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt acts as an intermediary protective element between the control opening and the external environment. It provides a physical barrier that intercepts water and dust particles before they can penetrate into the control opening, while allowing the control connector to maintain its electrical function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing contains a control opening for the control connector, then control functionality is provided, but the sealing protection rating is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt extends in the vertical dimension from the housing surface, creating a protective overlap that maintains IP52 protection rating. This dimensional extension allows the control opening to remain functional while achieving the required sealing protection against water and dust ingress.
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 skirt effectively seals the control opening, preventing water and dust penetration, thereby enhancing the protection rating and ensuring reliable operation in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the housing comprising a skirt projecting parallel to the control connector on the periphery of the control opening... This skirt can provide a good seal at the control opening... thereby limiting the penetration of dust and water into the control opening
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating device may heat an air flow through a duct of a ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning installation of an automotive vehicle. The heating device may include at least one heating module that is contained in a heating body. The heating body may include a housing for controlling and supplying electrical power to the at least one heating module. The housing may include, in its interior, a printed circuit board from which a power supply connector and a control connector protrude. The housing may also include a power supply opening such that the power supply connector emerges from the housing and a control opening such that the control connector emerges from the housing. The housing may include a skirt that protrudes in parallel to the control connector on the periphery of the control opening. The skirt may be formed as a single part with the housing.