Fluid heating device for vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid heating devices for vehicles are not adequately protected against collisions, leading to potential fluid leakage and damage to high-voltage components, and have inefficiencies in design that increase the number of fastening points and components.
Innovation Solution
A fluid heating device with a tank, heating unit, and case configuration that includes an elongated design, guided insertion, and strategic placement of components to minimize damage and fastening points, while ensuring efficient heat transfer and protection of critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tank and heating unit are housed in a case with traditional fastening methods, then the components are protected from collision damage, but the number of fastening points increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tank and heating unit into a single integrated assembly that is housed together in one case. This merging of components allows for a simplified fastening system where the entire assembly is secured as one unit rather than requiring separate fastening points for each component, thereby reducing the total number of fastening points while maintaining protection from collision damage.
2Productivity
If the heating unit is positioned close to the tank for efficient heat transfer, then heating efficiency improves, but the risk of fluid leakage and electrical damage increases due to collision vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the heating unit is positioned within or adjacent to the tank in a space-efficient manner. The case is designed to house both components in close proximity, allowing efficient heat transfer while the case itself provides protective enclosure. This nesting approach enables close positioning for heating efficiency while the outer case structure protects both components from collision damage that could cause fluid leakage or electrical damage.
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 device effectively protects the tank and heating unit from collision damage, reduces the number of fastening points, and maintains efficient heat transfer, thereby preventing fluid leakage and safeguarding against electrical damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the fluid by heating the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid heating device for a vehicle includes: a tank that includes a flow path that directs a fluid; a heating unit that heats the fluid by heating the tank; and a case that houses the tank and the heating unit.