Heater control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular power source devices for seat heaters rely on PWM control, which may not efficiently manage power distribution, leading to potential overheating and increased weight and cost due to the need for high current and multiple stranded wires.
Innovation Solution
A heater control system incorporating a boost converter that outputs a higher boost voltage than the power supply voltage, allowing for reduced current and increased resistance value, with a temperature detector to control the boost voltage and prevent overheating, and using sewed heater wires for durability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If PWM control is used to supply power to the heater, then the heater can be controlled, but the current required is high leading to increased weight and cost due to multiple stranded wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by introducing a boost converter that outputs a voltage higher than the power supply voltage. This voltage increase allows the same power to be delivered with reduced current, thereby reducing the required wire cross-section and overall weight of the heating system
2Power
If higher current is used to supply power to the heater, then the heating power is sufficient, but the weight and cost increase due to multiple stranded wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the power delivery parameters by using a boost converter to increase voltage. This allows the system to achieve the required heating power with lower current, reducing the quantity and cross-section of stranded wires needed in the heater assembly
3Weight of moving object
If the resistance value of the heater is increased to reduce current, then the current is reduced, but the heating power becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boost converter as an intermediary device between the power supply and the heater. This intermediary boosts the voltage before it reaches the heater, allowing the system to use higher resistance wires (reducing current and weight) while maintaining sufficient heating power through the voltage multiplication effect
4Reliability
If additional safety devices are added to prevent overheating, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service safety control through a temperature detector that monitors the heater temperature and automatically controls the boost converter to stop power supply when overheating is detected. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for additional complex safety devices like breakers or fuses
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 system reduces weight and cost by minimizing stranded wires, ensures safe operation without additional safety devices, and maintains accurate temperature control with a simple configuration, supporting various heat generation specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter that is electrically connected to the resistance heater. The boost converter outputs, to the resistance heater, a boost voltage that is higher than a power supply voltage of a power source
Implementation Method 2
a resistance heater; and a boost converter that is electrically connected to the resistance heater
Data Source
AI summary
A heater control system includes: a resistance heater; and a boost converter that is electrically connected to the resistance heater. The boost converter outputs, to the resistance heater, a boost voltage that is higher than a power supply voltage of a power source that is electrically connected to the boost converter.