Heater Module With Insulating Holder For Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heater modules for battery packs have low heating efficiency as they indirectly heat battery modules through the casing, and direct contact with heated surfaces can cause damage or electric leakage when vibrating or inclined.
Innovation Solution
A heater module with a plate-like heater body and insulating holder is positioned to directly face the heated surface, using a heat equalizing plate for efficient heating and incorporating locking portions to prevent contact with the heated surface during vibrations or inclinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heater body is arranged adjacent to the battery modules to heat them directly, then heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of contact damage or electric leakage increases when vibrating or inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component between the heater body and the battery module. The holder supports the heater body at a predetermined distance from the battery module surface, enabling efficient heat transfer while preventing direct contact that could cause damage or electric leakage during vibration or inclination.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as a preventive measure positioned beforehand to cushion against potential contact between the heater body and battery module. By pre-establishing this protective barrier, the design prevents damage and electric leakage before they can occur during vehicle vibration or inclination.
2Productivity
If the heater body contacts the heated surface of the battery module, then heating efficiency is maximized, but damage to the heater body or electric leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a mediating structure that maintains optimal spacing between the heater body and battery module. This intermediary component enables the heater to operate at maximum efficiency through close proximity while simultaneously preventing harmful contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heater module is designed with simple configuration for cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measures for preventing contact damage during vibration may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The holder performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the heater body, maintains optimal spacing for heat transfer, prevents direct contact with the battery module, and provides structural stability during vibration. This multi-functionality achieves reliable contact prevention without adding complex separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the support, spacing, and protection functions into a single holder component. By combining these functions rather than using separate mechanisms, the patent achieves cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining reliable contact prevention during vehicle vibration.
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 enhances heating efficiency by direct contact and prevents damage or leakage through the use of insulating holders and locking portions, achieving effective and safe heating with a simple and cost-effective configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-like heater body that faces the heated surface of the object to be heated
Implementation Method 2
the battery modules are indirectly heated by heat conduction from the casing of the battery pack to the battery modules
Implementation Method 3
an insulating holder that holds the plate-like heater body in a manner as to face the heated surface of the object to be heated
Data Source
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AI summary
A heater module (22L, 22R) of the present invention is provided along a heated surface (13CLa) of an object to be heated (13CL, 13CR). The heater module includes a plate-like heater body (34) that faces the heated surface of the object to be heated, and an insulating holder (31) that holds the plate-like heater body in a manner as to face the heated surface of the object to be heated. The insulating holder is fixed, at one edge thereof, to a mounting surface (14a) on which the object to be heated is mounted, and located on one side of the plate-like heater body away from the heated surface of the object to be heated. The insulating holder is provided, at another edge opposite to the one edge, with a regulation member (31a) that projects toward the heated surface of the object to be heated from the plate-like heater body.