Heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for vehicles face challenges in precisely connecting terminals of resistors to printed circuit boards due to space constraints, often without the use of positioning pins.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a positioning pin projecting from the wall of the heating chamber, combined with a connection module featuring a lead frame, connector, overmolding, and fixing element, allows for precise alignment and secure attachment of terminals to the printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning pins are used for precise connection of terminals to printed circuit board, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning pin and the connection terminal into a single integrated component. The terminal itself is designed with positioning features (such as positioning holes or positioning protrusions) that directly engage with corresponding features on the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the electrical connection element and the positioning element. By incorporating positioning features directly into the terminal structure, the component achieves multi-functionality, reducing the overall number of parts needed in the assembly while ensuring precise alignment and connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning pins are used for precise connection, then connection precision is improved, but space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and connection function into a single terminal component, eliminating the need for additional positioning pins that would occupy extra space. The terminal's own structure incorporates positioning features that engage directly with the printed circuit board, achieving precise connection without increasing the overall device volume.
3Reliability
If separate positioning and fixing elements are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates positioning and fixing functions into a unified terminal structure. The terminal includes both positioning features (for precise alignment) and fixing features (for secure attachment) as inherent parts of its design, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins and fixing elements. This integration maintains connection reliability while reducing device complexity.
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 saves space and ensures reliable connection of resistors to the circuit board, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the heating process.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current is circulated in at least one resistor placed in contact with the coolant, so that a temperature of the resistor increases, thereby heating the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a fixing element comprising a rod and a head, the rod being inserted into successively the sleeve and the hole of the positioning pin, so that the sleeve is clamped between the positioning pin and the head
Implementation Method 3
The air of the passenger compartment is generally heated by using a heat exchanger to transfer heat between a flow of air and a coolant
Data Source
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AI summary
The heating device comprises: - a heating chamber; - a resistor located inside the heating chamber for heating a coolant, the resistor comprising a terminal passing through a wall (402A) of the heating chamber, the wall (402A) being provided with a positioning pin (902) projecting outside the heating chamber; - a printed circuit board; - a lead frame connected to the printed circuit board and to the terminal of the resistor; - an overmolding (714A) around the lead frame, the overmolding (714A) having a trough-hole (906) in which the positioning pin (902) is inserted; - a sleeve (914) inserted into the through-hole (906) next to the positioning pin (902); and - a fixing element (604) comprising a rod (916) and a head (918), the rod (916) being inserted into successively the sleeve (914) and a hole (904) of the positioning pin (902), so that the sleeve (914) is clamped between the positioning pin (902) and the head (918).