Heating Element Integrated into Drive Train Shielding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems for drive trains and components, such as catalytic converters and batteries, are costly, labor-intensive to integrate, and require additional installation space, limiting retrofitting options and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A heating system that integrates a heating element with existing thermal or acoustic shielding elements, providing both electrical and thermal insulation, allowing for efficient heat distribution and selective radiation to components, utilizing the vehicle's electrical system for energy and minimizing additional expenses through shared components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate heating systems are integrated into drive train components, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating functionVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is integrated directly into the shielding element structure, combining two previously separate components (heating system and shielding system) into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate heating system installation while maintaining both thermal shielding and heating functions, thereby reducing device complexity and installation cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides thermal/acoustic shielding while simultaneously functioning as a heating element. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform both protective and active heating roles, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional heating components are added, then heating capability is provided, but weight and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the heating element into the existing shielding element, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate heating components. This combination uses the shielding element's structure and materials to provide both shielding and heating functions, thereby avoiding the weight penalty of adding independent heating systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding element performs dual functions as both a protective barrier and an active heating device. This multi-functionality means that the same material and structure serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for additional components that would increase system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If heating elements are integrated into shielding elements, then electrical and thermal insulation are provided, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is constructed using composite material structures that integrate conductive and insulating properties within a single component. This allows the heating element to provide both electrical insulation (protecting surrounding components) and thermal insulation (directing heat to the target component) while maintaining manufacturability through standardized composite material processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables cost-effective and efficient heating of drive train components, reducing weight and installation complexity, allowing for easy retrofitting and maintaining optimal operating temperatures while minimizing thermal dissipation losses.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating element for active electrical heating of a drive train

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

existing component for thermal and/or acoustic shielding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11856660B2Heating system and process for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 ELRINGKLINGER AG

AI summary

A heating system for a drive train or a component thereof and to a method for producing it. In order to produce an apparatus of the above-mentioned type, which can be inexpensively integrated into an existing system, it is proposed for at least one heating element, which is for active electrical heating of a drive train or component thereof, to be provided in combination with or in an already existing component for thermal and/or acoustic shielding.