Electronic interface housing for controlling an electric heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for motor vehicles face issues with cover deformation and water accumulation on the printed circuit board due to high voltage and condensation, leading to potential short circuits and component damage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic interface box with a printed circuit board featuring water drain openings at contact zones between the board and rigid ribs, preventing water accumulation and ensuring proper water evacuation, thus protecting electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid ribs are added between the cover and printed circuit board to prevent cover deformation, then cover stability is improved, but water accumulates on the printed circuit board causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is segmented by introducing water drainage orifices that divide the contact zone into drainage pathways and non-drainage areas, allowing water to be channeled away from critical electronic components while maintaining rib support structure
Solution Approach 2:
Water drainage orifices act as intermediary elements between the rigid ribs and the printed circuit board, providing a controlled pathway for water to pass through the contact zone without accumulating on the board surface
2Quantity of substance
If the electronic interface box is made bulky to house high-voltage electronic components, then component housing capability is improved, but cover deformation increases due to larger cover surface area
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid ribs are pre-positioned at strategic locations on the printed circuit board before final assembly, creating internal support structures that preemptively counteract cover deformation forces without requiring a smaller overall box design
3Temperature
If cooling holes are added to the cover and base for electronic component cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but condensation and water formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling holes that initially cause condensation and water formation are transformed into beneficial drainage pathways by positioning water drainage orifices at the printed circuit board contact zone, converting the harmful condensation effect into a useful water evacuation mechanism
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 cover deformation and water accumulation on the printed circuit board, reducing the risk of short circuits and component damage, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the heating device.
Implementation Method 1
A runoff of drops can occur along the rigid ribs, from the contact area of these ribs with the cover to the contact area of these ribs with the printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
which makes it possible to flex the cover in its center, away from the means of fixing, in particular by elastic snap-fastening, of this cover on the base
Implementation Method 3
electric heating devices comprising heating modules by diffusion of heat under the effect of an electric potential, i.e. resistive heating elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic interface housing (6) for an electric heating device (1) for heating an airflow flowing therethrough, the electronic interface housing (6) being configured to house electronic components for controlling at least one heating element (4) equipping the electric heating device (1), and including at least one printed circuit board (44), the electronic interface housing (6) comprising at least one rib (56, 58) in contact with the printed circuit board (44) at a contact zone (54), characterized in that the printed circuit board (44) comprises at least one opening for the removal of water (82) in the contact zone (54).