Fluid-heating device, in particular for a vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in fluid heating devices for vehicles are not optimally positioned, leading to unreliable temperature readings and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
Position thermal sensors on an electronic circuit board thermally connected to a heat sink, which indirectly measures the temperature of the fluid chamber via a heat-conducting separating wall, allowing for a simple and reliable temperature recording solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal sensors are positioned directly in the first chamber to measure fluid temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary component that thermally connects the first chamber (where fluid temperature needs to be measured) to the electronic circuit board (where sensors are positioned). The heat sink acts as a mediator, transferring thermal energy from the fluid/heating elements to the sensors without requiring direct sensor placement in the chamber, thus simplifying device architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermal sensors are positioned on the electronic circuit board away from the first chamber, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement capability from the spatial dimension of direct chamber contact to a thermal dimension by introducing the heat sink. The heat sink creates a thermal pathway that allows sensors positioned in a different physical location (on the circuit board) to accurately measure temperatures in the first chamber, effectively adding a thermal conduction dimension to the measurement system.
3Ease of manufacture
If heat sink is integrated during die casting, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat sink component with the housing by integrating it directly into the die casting process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate heat sink manufacturing and assembly steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process. The heat sink becomes an inherent part of the housing structure, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining functional performance.
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
Provides a simple and reliable method for temperature sensing in fluid heating devices, ensuring accurate temperature readings and easy integration into the device design.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal sensor(s) are positioned at the electronic circuit board and thermally connected to said first chamber via a heat sink
Implementation Method 2
electric heating elements that form a source of heat energy and in which an electric current is circulated to raise the temperature of electric heating elements
Implementation Method 3
heat the air intended for the thermal treatment of a vehicle interior by the exchange of heat between an air flow and a heat transfer liquid, using a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric fluid-heating device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing having a first fluid-circulation chamber (21), at least one electric heating element (4) for heating the fluid in said first chamber (21), an electronic board (81) for controlling a current circulating in said electric heating element or elements (4), at least one thermal sensor. Said device is characterised in that the thermal sensor or sensors are positioned on the electronic board (81) and thermally connected to the first chamber (21) via a heat sink (9).