Electrical Heating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical heating devices in motor vehicles suffer from pressure equalization issues that can lead to moisture ingress, potentially damaging downstream components through charge carrier transfer.
Innovation Solution
A sealed frame element with a guide element and pressure equalization channel, incorporating a moisture-retaining membrane, ensures moisture and dirt are prevented from entering the control housing while allowing air pressure equalization, and the guide element is adaptable to different designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the frame element is sealed to the housing and the pass-through opening is sealed during plug-in connection, then moisture ingress is prevented, but pressure equalization between the plug element and frame element is disrupted, risking charge carrier transfer to downstream components
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate systems: a sealing ring for sealing the pass-through opening against the plug element, and a separate pressure equalization channel that remains open for pressure balancing. This segmentation allows the sealing function to prevent moisture ingress while the pressure equalization channel prevents charge carrier transfer by maintaining pressure equilibrium without requiring electrical contact sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization channel acts as an intermediary system that decouples the sealing function from the pressure equalization function. By providing a dedicated non-electrical path for pressure equalization, the system allows the sealing ring to seal the pass-through opening completely without causing harmful pressure differences that would lead to charge carrier transfer.
2Ease of operation
If the plug housing is exposed on the outside of the housing with plug contacts, then plug-in connection is accessible, but the overall height of the electrical heating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug element is integrated into the housing structure such that the frame element forms part of the housing and the pass-through opening is provided within the housing body. This merging of the plug housing with the main housing reduces the overall height by eliminating the need for a separate exposed plug housing extension, while still providing accessible plug-in connection through the side wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in connection is positioned in the side wall of the housing rather than extending the housing in the vertical dimension. By moving the plug element to the horizontal dimension (side wall integration), the overall height of the device is reduced while maintaining ease of operation for plug-in connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide element is made adaptable to different customer requirements, then versatility is improved, but the frame element design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element is designed as a universal component with a standardized structure that can accommodate different guide element configurations. The frame element provides a consistent sealing interface and structural support, while the guide element can be varied in design to meet different customer requirements for guide surfaces and contact elements, achieving versatility without complicating the fundamental frame element design.
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 design enhances the service life of the printed circuit board by reducing mechanical stress and prevents moisture ingress, maintaining the integrity of the heating device and its components.
Implementation Method 1
a heating chamber cover forming a second heating chamber (6.2) with a fluid housing (10) arranged therein, the first heating chamber (6.1) being thermally coupled to the fluid housing (10)
Implementation Method 2
A means for retaining moisture, in particular water in the liquid state or vapor form, may be integrated in the pressure equalization channel. This can be formed from metal or plastic, in particular as a membrane that provides different permeability for gases and moisture.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical heating device, usable in a motor vehicle, has a housing enclosing a heating chamber coupled in a heat-conducting manner to an electrical resistance element. The housing encloses a control device which can make contact on the outside of the housing via a plug housing penetrated by at least one contact element. A frame element forms a pass-through opening for the plug housing. The pass-through opening is connected in a sealed manner to the housing and has a pressure equalizer for equalizing a pressure difference between the interior of the housing and the environment of the housing. The plug housing is sealingly received in the frame element.