Heating device with a holder for holding a control unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices with holding devices and latching elements lack flexibility and stability in attachment and release mechanisms, leading to cumbersome handling and potential damage during actuation.

Innovation Solution

The heating device features interchangeable latching elements with a snap arm design, including a recess for easy attachment, a snap hook for secure latching, and an actuating arm with a spacer and rib-like structure for controlled release, along with a projection for enhanced stability, allowing for simple and secure fixation and easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed latching element is used on the holding device, then the attachment structure is simple, but the flexibility of the heating device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching element is segmented from the holding device, allowing it to be detachably attached rather than permanently fixed. This enables the latching element to be repositioned or removed as needed, providing flexibility while keeping the attachment structure relatively simple through standardized connection points on the holding device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latching element transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, repositionable component. It can be attached at different locations on the holding device housing and can be easily detached and reattached, allowing the system to adapt to different installation requirements without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a simple attachment structure is used for the latching element, then the production cost is low, but the stability of the latching element on the holding device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching element stabilityVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure combines multiple functions into a single integrated design: it provides both mechanical support and secure fastening through the combination of the attachment point on the housing and the corresponding latching mechanism. This merging achieves stable attachment without requiring separate complex components for support and fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment structure utilizes parameter changes in the latching element, specifically the snap arm's elastic deformation, to achieve stable attachment. When the snap arm is deflected and released, it creates a secure mechanical interlock with the attachment point, providing reliable fixation through controlled elastic behavior rather than complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the latching element is firmly fixed to the housing structure, then the attachment stability is high, but the ease of release becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of releaseVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snap arm acts as an intermediary element between the latching element and the housing structure. It provides a mechanical connection that is stable during operation but can be easily released by actuating the release mechanism. The snap arm's elastic properties allow it to maintain firm attachment while enabling controlled release without requiring excessive force or complex release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static, permanently fixed connection to a dynamic, controllable connection. The latching element can be easily engaged and disengaged through the actuating arm mechanism, allowing the system to switch between stable attachment and easy release states as needed, rather than being permanently fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the actuating arm is designed without limiting features, then the release mechanism is simple, but the risk of damage due to excessive actuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching element durabilityVSAvoidactuating arm structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating arm is designed with pre-formed geometric features (such as rounded ends or built-in stops) that automatically limit the range of motion during actuation. These features are incorporated into the basic design of the arm itself, providing damage prevention through the inherent geometry rather than requiring additional separate limiting components or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3499146B1Heating device with a holder for holding a control unit
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3499146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating device with a holding device for receiving a control unit, wherein the holding device has at least one locking element which is provided for fixing the holding device to a housing structure of the heating device. It is proposed that the at least one locking element be arranged interchangeably on the holding device.