Gasket-Controlled Heating Flow Path for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating devices for hybrid and electric vehicles face increased production costs, pressure loss, and air retention issues due to complex flow paths and specialized components, which hinder effective heat exchange between the heating element and the heat medium.
Innovation Solution
A heating device design featuring a case with interconnected sections and a plate-like gasket that seals the space between them, controlling the flow path and heat exchange without additional components or specialized processing, utilizing passage portions and cutout features to manage air retention and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a partition wall is formed in the case to control the flow path, then the heat exchange period is lengthened, but the number of components increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partition wall function with the gasket by positioning the gasket within the flow path so that it serves dual purposes: sealing the case sections and controlling the heat medium flow. This integration eliminates the need for a separate partition wall component while maintaining the extended heat exchange period benefit.
2Area of stationary object
If a flat plate heating element with through holes is used, then the heat transfer area is enlarged, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the case sections, controlling flow path, and serving as a mounting structure for the heating element. By making the gasket multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for specialized processed heating elements with through holes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective heat transfer area.
3Productivity
If the flow path is made complex to control heat medium flow, then heat exchange is improved, but air retention in the flow path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket creates localized flow control zones within the flow path by positioning specific portions in strategic locations. This localized control allows the heat medium to follow an extended path for improved heat exchange while maintaining adequate air venting capabilities at critical locations, preventing air retention issues.
4Productivity
If additional components are added to control flow path, then heat exchange is enhanced, but pressure loss of the heat medium increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flow control function into the gasket rather than adding separate components, the patent minimizes the number of flow restrictions and junctions in the system. This integration reduces cumulative pressure losses while still achieving the desired extended heat exchange through strategic positioning of the gasket within the flow path.
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 design enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces production costs, and minimizes pressure loss while preventing air retention, allowing for effective heating performance in vehicle air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element disposed in the flow path of this case to heat the heat medium
Implementation Method 2
a plate-like gasket which is interposed between abutment portions of the first case section and the second case section, and seals a space between both the case sections
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a heating device which makes it possible to effectively perform heat exchange between a heating element and a heat medium without increasing the number of components, and further to eliminate air retention and increase of a pressure loss. A heating device 1 is constituted of a case 2 including therein a flow path 3 through which a heat medium flows, and an electric heating wire heater 4 disposed in the flow path of the case to heat the heat medium. The case comprises a first case section 6 and a second case section 7 each of which has at least one opened surface and which are connected to each other in a state where respective openings are made to abut on each other, and a plate-like gasket 8 which is interposed between abutment portions of the first case section and the second case section, and seals a space between both the case sections, and the gasket controls the flow of the heat medium in the flow path.