Heater assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in providing effective and safe heating for passengers, as traditional heating methods can cause burns and slow heat conduction, especially in electric vehicles where waste engine heat is not available.
Innovation Solution
A heater assembly comprising a base panel, a heating member disposed behind the panel, a thermal conductive film attached to the panel's outer surface, and a shield layer to prevent direct exposure, allowing for quick heat conduction without the risk of burns, using a graphite film that transmits heat efficiently in a horizontal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a heating member is directly attached to the base panel, then heat conduction speed is improved, but the risk of burns and thermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal conductive film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the heating member and the base panel. This film rapidly conducts heat from the heating member to the panel surface while its thin structure and protective coating prevent direct exposure of high-temperature elements, thereby eliminating burn risk while maintaining fast heat conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin-film structure for the thermal conductive layer, which provides efficient thermal conduction due to its close proximity to the heating element, while the thin profile and protective shielding prevent excessive heat buildup that could cause burns. The flexible film design allows for uniform heat distribution across the panel surface.
2Length of stationary object
If the heater assembly is made thin for interior use, then space utilization is improved, but heat conduction efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin-film thermal conductive layer that maintains efficient heat conduction despite the overall thinness of the heater assembly. The film's direct contact with the heating member and optimized material properties ensure rapid heat transfer while keeping the total thickness suitable for vehicle interior applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the thermal conductive material, specifically using materials with high thermal conductivity in a thin-film configuration. This allows the heater to maintain both thin profile and efficient heat conduction by optimizing the thermal properties of the conductive layer rather than increasing its thickness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield layer is added to prevent burn exposure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield layer is merged with the thermal conductive film structure, where the film itself serves both as the thermal conduction path and as the shielding barrier. This integration eliminates the need for separate shield components, maintaining safety functionality while avoiding additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal conductive film performs multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts heat from the heating member to the panel, provides thermal shielding to prevent burns, and serves as part of the overall heater structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated shield components.
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 solution provides rapid and uniform heating to vehicle interiors while preventing thermal damage and burns, eliminating the need for separate sensors and ensuring safety by maintaining a safe temperature even when touched.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductive film having a film shape, attached to an outer surface facing the heating target space of the base panel, and transmitting heat of the heating member to the outer surface of the base panel
Implementation Method 2
The heating member may be an electrical resistance heating member or a sheath heater
Data Source
AI summary
A heater assembly includes a base panel; a heating member disposed behind the base panel opposite a heating target space; a thermal conductive film having a film shape, attached to an outer surface facing the heating target space of the base panel, and transmitting heat of the heating member to the outer surface of the base panel by having an end portion extending behind the base panel and coupled to the heating member; and a shield layer preventing the thermal conductive film from being directly exposed to the heating target space by being attached to an outer surface facing the heating target space of the thermal conductive film.