Auxiliary Heater PCB Cooling via Integrated Connecting Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical heating devices face inefficiencies due to inadequate cooling of the electronic control system, which can lead to reduced performance and functionality, especially at higher temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection structure that serves both for controlling and cooling the electronic control system by using a connecting section on the printed circuit board, which is electrically connected to the heating element and features a cooling section that enhances heat dissipation through fluid flow, thereby improving the efficiency of the cooling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a separate cooling system is added to cool the electronic control system, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical connection function and cooling function into a single integrated structure. The connecting structure includes a connecting section for electrical connection and a cooling section for heat dissipation, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing system complexity while maintaining effective cooling of the electronic control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between the heating element and control component, and acts as a heat sink for cooling the electronic control system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the control component is configured as a power switch for controlling the heating element, then the control functionality is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the power switch into a beneficial cooling opportunity. The connecting structure is designed to conduct away the heat generated by the control component during switching operations, transforming the problematic heat generation into a manageable thermal management issue that is resolved through the integrated cooling function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 allows for effective cooling of the electronic control system, enabling its functional capability at increased temperatures and enhancing the overall efficiency of the heating device by utilizing the same structure for both electrical connection and heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

The flat abutting of the cooling section on the printed circuit board increases the exchange of heat here between the cooling section and the printed circuit board, so that the cooling takes place more efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

This flow receives heat from the connecting structure and therefore cools the electronic control system, in particular the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3056834B1Electrical heating device
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP3056834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3056834B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrical heating device (1), in particular an auxiliary heater (1') for a vehicle, which has an electrical heating element (4) for the generating of heat and an electronic control system (6) for controlling the heating element (4), wherein the electronic control system (6) has a printed circuit board (7) and a control component (9), provided on a front side (8) of the printed circuit board (7), for controlling the heating element (4). It is essential to the invention here that the electrical heating device (1) has a connecting structure (13) for the electrical contacting of the heating element (4) with the control component (9) and for cooling the electronic control system (6), wherein the connecting structure (13) has a connecting section (14) for electrically contacting the heating element (4) with the control element (9) and has a cooling section (15) for cooling the electronic control system (6), which cooling section adjoins the connecting section (14) and lies flat against a rear side (18) of the printed circuit board (7) facing away from the front side (8).