Inductive Heating Elements in Drivetrain Thermal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for thermal and acoustic shielding of drive trains are not easily integratable into existing systems without significant additional effort, are costly, and require modifications or additional space, failing to efficiently achieve optimal operating temperatures for components like combustion engines, batteries, and fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
Integration of inductive heating elements within existing thermal and/or acoustic shielding devices, utilizing induction coils to heat components like combustion engines or catalysts, allowing for active electrical heating without modifying the drive train components and using the vehicle's on-board electrical supply for efficient temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional heating systems are integrated into existing drive trains, then optimal operating temperature can be achieved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the existing thermal shielding component, combining two separate functions (heating and thermal shielding) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate heating system installation and reduces overall system complexity while achieving optimal operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal shielding component is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides thermal shielding protection and simultaneously acts as a heating element through the integrated inductive heating coils. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies system installation.
2Productivity
If inductive heating elements are integrated into shielding devices, then heating efficiency improves, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the heating function with the existing thermal shielding structure, the patent avoids adding separate heavy heating components. The inductive heating elements are integrated within the shielding device's volume, achieving efficient heating while minimizing additional weight compared to external heating systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing shielding devices are modified to include heating elements, then functional versatility improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are pre-integrated into the thermal shielding components during the manufacturing process. This preliminary integration allows the heating function to be built-in from the start, avoiding complex post-manufacturing modifications and maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding device is designed to perform multiple functions (thermal shielding and heating) through its integrated structure. This universal design approach allows a single component to serve multiple purposes, improving adaptability without requiring complex assembly of separate parts.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal shielding is provided without heating capability, then protection from cooling is achieved, but ability to maintain optimal temperature during cold start is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal shielding protection with active heating capability in a single integrated device. The thermal shielding portion protects against unwanted cooling while the integrated inductive heating elements provide active heating during cold starts, ensuring both protection and reliable temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding device is designed with multi-functionality, providing both passive thermal shielding and active heating capabilities. This universal design ensures the device can protect against cooling under normal conditions while also providing active heating support during cold starts, improving reliability across different operating conditions.
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 approach enables rapid and efficient heating of components, reduces weight and costs, and allows for simple retrofitting, ensuring reliable operation and reduced emissions by maintaining optimal operating temperatures with minimal additional space and no modifications to the drive train.
Implementation Method 1
at least one element for inductively heating a drive train or a component thereof is integrated or embedded in the device
Implementation Method 2
the at least one element is shielded by a metallic reflective layer and/or a ferromagnetic EMC shield on a side facing away from the drive train or a component thereof to be heated
Implementation Method 3
the at least one element is shielded by a metallic reflective layer and/or a ferromagnetic EMC shield on a side facing away from the drive train or a component thereof to be heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for thermally and/or acoustically shielding a drivetrain or part thereof, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one layer of thermally loadable fiber material with high thermal insulation properties and is designed to be laid on the exterior of a certain part of the drivetrain or to enclose the part. In order to solve the problem of an excessively low temperature of the covered part by providing a device of the stated type which can additionally be integrated cost-effectively into an existing system, it is proposed that at least one element (4) for inductively heating a drivetrain or part thereof is integrated or embedded in the device (1) for thermal and/or acoustic shielding.