Heated Distribution Board Layout for Low-Temperature Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical distribution systems face challenges in operating standard electrical components at low ambient temperatures, particularly below -25 °C, due to limited component selection and inefficient, cost-effective heating solutions in existing designs.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates horizontally arranged line-shaped heating elements with radiator bodies, positioned directly under fastening points for efficient heating of electrical components, along with a temperature measuring device to ensure optimal heating and energy efficiency, and allows for flexible configuration and separate power supply for heating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a central heating element is used in the lower section of the distribution board, then heating function is provided, but thermal efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidheating element configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating function into multiple linear heating elements, each associated with a specific mounting rail section. Instead of using a single central heating element, the system segments the heating function across multiple locations, with each heating element positioned directly beneath its corresponding mounting rail to provide localized heating where electrical components are actually mounted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by positioning heating elements at specific locations where mounting rails are installed, rather than using a centralized heating approach. Each linear heating element is placed directly beneath its associated mounting rail section, creating localized heating zones that match the actual distribution of electrical components, thereby improving thermal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If heating tapes are used to heat the distribution system, then heating function is provided, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidheating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function with the existing mounting rail structure by integrating linear heating elements directly into the mounting rail system. The heating elements are positioned in direct association with the mounting rails, combining the structural support function with the heating function, which simplifies installation and improves thermal efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If heating elements are positioned away from mounting points, then installation space is available, but heating efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions heating elements in the vertical dimension directly beneath the mounting rails, utilizing the space below the mounting points rather than competing for horizontal installation space. This vertical arrangement allows the heating elements to be in close proximity to the mounting points for efficient heat transfer, while maintaining adequate horizontal clearance for component installation and access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables the use of standard electrical components at low temperatures while being thermally efficient and cost-effective, with the ability to adjust heating power and maintain safe operating conditions, even in potentially explosive environments.

Implementation Method 1

the heating element is arranged directly below an associated group of mounting points, where it can be supplied with electric current to heat electrical components attached to the associated mounting points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Thanks to their radiator-like design, the heating elements dissipate heat efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Thanks to their radiator-like design, the heating elements dissipate heat efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3533118B1Heated electrical distribution system

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical distribution system (1), having a housing (3), in which fastening rails (13) are provided, which provide fastening points (15), which are arranged in lines, for the fastening of electrical components (17). Additionally, one or more, in particular explosion-protected, line-shaped heating elements (19) are provided in the housing (3), which heating elements each comprise a radiator body (23). The one or more heating elements (19) are each arranged below an associated group of fastening points (15), where electric current can be applied to the heating elements in order to heat electrical components (17) fastened at the associated fastening points (15).