Fluid heating device and manufacturing method for same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-heating devices face challenges in efficiently heating fluids when the heater output is increased, leading to local heating issues due to direct contact between the fluid and the heater.

Innovation Solution

A fluid-heating device configuration where the heater and support body are integrally cast into the heating portion, preventing direct contact between the fluid and the heater, thereby ensuring a sufficient heat transfer area and suppressing local heating, even at higher heater outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the heater output is increased to heat the fluid more efficiently, then the heating speed is improved, but local heating occurs due to direct contact between the fluid and heater surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speedVSAvoidlocal heating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heating portion as an intermediary component between the heater and the fluid. The heater is embedded in the heating portion, which then transfers heat to the fluid through its outer surface. This mediator prevents direct contact between the heater and fluid, distributing heat more evenly and preventing local heating while maintaining efficient heating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the heater surface area is increased to improve heat transfer, then heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of local heating increases when fluid flows directly over the heater

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidlocal heating risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is segmented into two distinct components: the heater (heat source) and the heating portion (heat transfer interface). The heater generates heat internally, while the heating portion's outer surface serves as the heat transfer interface with the fluid. This segmentation allows the heat transfer area to be increased through the heating portion's surface without increasing the heater's surface area that直接接触 the fluid, thus improving heat transfer efficiency while preventing local heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If the heater is exposed directly to the fluid to maximize heat exchange, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heater and heating portion are merged into a single integrated component where the heater is embedded within the heating portion. This combination simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and assembly steps. The integrated design maintains effective heat exchange while reducing device complexity and easing manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for efficient heating of fluids without local boiling, maintaining consistent temperature increase rates and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the heater and the support body are integrally cast into the heating portion... the heater heats the fluid... a heat transfer area for performing a heat exchange with the fluid is ensured sufficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3348931B1Fluid heating device and manufacturing method for same
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 MARELLI CABIN COMFORT JAPAN CORPORATION
  • EP3348931B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348931B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348931B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluid-heating device (100) for heating fluid with a heater (21) includes: a heating portion (22) that is molded so as to cover the surrounding of the heater (21); and a support body (71) integrally cast into the heating portion (22), the heating portion (22) being molded in a state in which the heater (21) is supported by the support body (71) in a die (60) for molding the heating portion (22).