Electric heating device for a motor vehicle
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for vehicles with electric motors face challenges in reliable grounding without increasing the size of the heating device or compromising the sealing integrity, particularly due to the need for additional components that extend outside the electrical connection box.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a conductive element, such as a metal bar, protruding from the heating tubes and connected to the ground connector within the electrical connection box, ensuring grounding without additional space requirements and maintaining sealing integrity by integrating the conductive element within the tube structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional component is pressed against the heating body to enable grounding connection within the electrical connection box, then reliable grounding is achieved, but the size of the opening in the electrical connection box must be increased and the seal must be resized
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element is integrated directly into the tube structure of the heating body, merging the grounding function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate additional grounding components and avoids increasing the opening size in the electrical connection box.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains heating elements, and through the integrated conductive element, provides grounding connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated grounding components that would require additional space.
2Reliability
If wired electrical connections extend from an outer face of the heating body by bypassing the box, then grounding can be established, but the connections run the risk of becoming damaged during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connection is merged with the tube structure itself, eliminating separate exposed wiring. The conductive element is housed within the tube and connects internally, protecting it from damage during mounting while maintaining grounding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive element is nested within the tube structure, with the tube providing protective housing for the grounding connection. This nested arrangement protects the electrical connection from external damage during installation and operation.
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 allows for reliable grounding of the heating device without increasing the device's size, simplifies mounting, and maintains the sealing integrity by housing the conductive element within the tube, thus avoiding damage to external electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
This electric heating is currently effected by a radiator comprising heating elements, for example heating resistors
Implementation Method 2
This heating body comprises a plurality of tubes in which the heating elements are mounted, and a plurality of heat sinks in the form of fins
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating device, for a motor vehicle, the electric heating device including an electrical connection box and a heating body. The heating body includes a plurality of heating elements intended to be supplied with current; a plurality of metal tubes, at least some of which include the heating elements; and a plurality of metal heat sinks. The metal tubes and the metal heat sinks form a conductive casing with the same electrical potential. At least one tube of the plurality of tubes includes a conductive element projecting from the at least one tube and in contact with the at least one tube. The projecting element is connected to a ground connector of the electrical connection box.