Heatable Line Connection Device for Frozen Media Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipart heatable media lines and connection devices face issues with freezing media, which can damage sensors and disrupt vehicle operations, particularly in low temperatures, due to the lack of effective heating and insulation in critical connection areas.
Innovation Solution
A multipart heatable media line design featuring a line connection device with a coupling portion that includes a heating element and a measuring device housing, where the heating element is wound around the sub-media lines and connection device to maintain fluidity and prevent ice damage, and a fastening device to secure the heating element, ensuring continuous heating of the medium and protection of the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring device is integrated into the line connection device, then medium properties can be monitored, but the sensor element is vulnerable to damage from freezing medium
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is nested within a receiving opening in the line connection device, creating a protective cavity that shields it from direct contact with freezing medium while allowing it to monitor medium properties through the channel wall
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving opening acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor element and the medium channel, providing thermal isolation and mechanical protection while maintaining the sensor's ability to detect medium properties
2Temperature
If heating elements are provided for the media lines, then freezing can be prevented, but the connection areas may lack sufficient heating coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to serve multiple functions: heating the media lines and simultaneously heating the line connection device, ensuring comprehensive thermal protection of all components including the coupling portion and sensor housing
3Reliability
If the heating element is secured with a fastening device, then heating coverage is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device uses simple geometric interlocking features (protrusions and recesses) that are easy to manufacture and assemble, providing reliable positioning without complex mechanisms
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 solution effectively prevents freezing and damage to the measuring device by maintaining the medium's fluidity and ensuring the heating element is consistently available for the connection area, reducing the risk of ice formation and sensor damage, while also optimizing material usage and connection points.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element for heating the sub-media lines
Implementation Method 2
at least one insulating device for the thermal insulation of the line connection device
Data Source
AI summary
A multipart heatable media line including at least two sub-media lines, at least one heating element for heating the sub-media lines, at least one line connection device with connection sections for connecting to the sub-media lines, and at least one measuring device. The line connection device has at least one medium channel for conducting the medium through the line connection device from one connection section to the at least one other connection section, and the measuring device including at least one sensor element and is received in a line connection device receiving opening which is designed as a coupling portion. The measuring device includes at least one housing which is designed as a plug connector and which at least partly receives the at least one sensor element, and the at least one heating element of the at least one sub-media line extends in the region of the coupling portion for receiving the measuring device in order to heat the line connection device in the arrangement region of the measuring device.