Heating apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating apparatuses with heat transfer bodies are bulky, heavy, and have low heat exchange efficiency due to increased heat capacity, and O-rings used for sealing can be damaged or deteriorate during assembly and operation.

Innovation Solution

A heating apparatus with a columnar heating element inserted into a case, where at least one end is supported by an O-ring, featuring a tapered portion and a rounded surface for smooth insertion, and a heating medium passage along the outer peripheral surface of the heating element to enhance heat exchange efficiency and prevent O-ring damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heat transfer body is used to heat the heating medium, then the heating apparatus can effectively heat the medium, but the apparatus size and weight increase and heat exchange efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the heat transfer body from the system and allows the heating element to directly contact the heating medium. This extraction of the intermediate heat transfer body reduces apparatus weight and volume while improving heat exchange efficiency, as the heating element can now directly transfer heat to the medium without the additional thermal mass and surface area requirements of a separate heat transfer body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If O-rings are used to seal the heating element in the case, then leakage can be prevented, but the O-rings may be damaged during assembly or deteriorated by heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidO-ring damage and deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms a tapered portion at the end of the heating element before assembly. This preliminary geometric feature guides the heating element into the case and onto the sealing surface, ensuring proper alignment and distribution of sealing force before the O-ring is fully compressed. This prevents pinching or misalignment damage during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides a rounded portion on the heating element at the O-ring contact position. This curved surface distributes the sealing force more evenly across the O-ring, preventing stress concentration and localized damage. The rounded geometry also allows for more gradual compression of the O-ring during assembly, reducing the risk of pinching or tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Volume of stationary object

If the heating element is directly inserted into the case with O-rings, then the apparatus size is reduced, but assembling properties may be compromised due to O-ring damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidassembling properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered portion is pre-formed on the heating element to facilitate proper insertion and alignment during assembly. This preliminary geometric feature ensures that the heating element is correctly positioned before the O-ring is compressed, making the assembly process more reliable and less prone to errors despite the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rounded portion on the heating element provides a smooth transition surface that guides the O-ring during insertion and distributes sealing forces evenly. This curved geometry prevents pinching or misalignment during assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture despite the reduced apparatus size and direct-contact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 a compact, efficient heating apparatus with improved assembling properties and reduced O-ring deterioration, maintaining high heat exchange efficiency and preventing medium leakage, suitable for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a heating medium passage for passing the heating medium is formed along an outer peripheral surface of the heating element on an inner side of the O-ring within the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heating wire provided inside the tube portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9662961B2Heating apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 SANDEN CORP

AI summary

A heating apparatus which is assembled by inserting a columnar heating wire heater 2 into a hole 30 provided in a case 3, and heats cooling water introduced into the case 3 by the heating wire heater 2, wherein the heating wire heater 2 is inserted into boss portions 42 and 43 provided in the case 3, both end portions are supported by O-rings 50 disposed between inner peripheral walls of the boss portions 42 and 43 and an outer peripheral wall of the heating wire heater 2, a gap 45 for passing the cooling water is formed along an outer peripheral surface of the heating wire heater 2 between the two boss portions 42 and 43 within the case 3, and a tapered portion 60 and a rounded portion 61 are formed on an end portion on an insertion-direction distal end side of the heating wire heater 2.