Vehicle Interior Heater Connector Layout for Low-Bulk Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for vehicle interiors require multiple electrical connectors to connect multiple conductive tracks, leading to bulkiness and compromised haptics.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a single electrical connector capable of connecting multiple conductive tracks, featuring a resistive layer and distribution electrodes with an edge extending from one electrical-contact region to another, reducing bulk and improving haptics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrical connectors are used to connect multiple conductive tracks, then each conductive track can be connected reliably, but the heating device becomes bulky and haptic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connectors into a single integrated connector that can simultaneously connect to multiple conductive tracks. This single connector includes multiple contact elements arranged to engage with respective conductive tracks, thereby reducing the overall number of connectors and minimizing device bulk while maintaining reliable electrical connections to all heating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed with multi-functional capability to perform multiple connection functions simultaneously. A single connector structure incorporates multiple contact elements that can independently connect to different conductive tracks, allowing one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors, thus reducing volume while maintaining connection reliability
2Reliability
If multiple electrical connectors are used to connect multiple conductive tracks, then each conductive track can be connected reliably, but the haptic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connectors into a single integrated connector that can simultaneously connect to multiple conductive tracks. This single connector includes multiple contact elements arranged to engage with respective conductive tracks, thereby reducing the overall number of connectors and minimizing device bulk while maintaining reliable electrical connections to all heating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed with multi-functional capability to perform multiple connection functions simultaneously. A single connector structure incorporates multiple contact elements that can independently connect to different conductive tracks, allowing one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors, thus reducing volume while maintaining connection reliability
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 results in a less bulky and more aesthetically pleasing heating device while maintaining effective heat distribution, enhancing user experience through improved haptics.
Implementation Method 1
a heating structure comprising: at least one resistive layer designed to produce a release of heat when this layer has an electric current passing through it
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device configured to be installed in a motor vehicle interior includes a heating structure and an electrical connector. The heating structure includes a resistive layer configured to produce a release of heat when the resistive layer has an electric current passing through it. The heating structure also includes at least two distribution electrodes that are in electrical contact with the resistive layer to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer. The electrical connector includes at least two electrical-contact regions. One of the electrical-contact regions is in electrical contact with one of the distribution electrodes. The other electrical-contact region is in contact with the other distribution electrode. The electrical connector includes an edge extending from one of the electrical-contact regions towards the other electrical-contact region.