Vehicle Interior Trim Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior trim solutions for vehicle passenger compartments suffer from inefficient heat distribution due to poor thermal conductivity, leading to slow heating, energy wastage, and accelerated aging of materials.
Innovation Solution
An interior trim design featuring a carrier with a high thermal conductivity matrix, filled with materials like boron nitride, and an electrical heating element positioned between the carrier and the vehicle body to efficiently direct heat into the compartment, preventing heat buildup and material degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is integrated into the interior trim with poor heat conducting properties, then the heating means can be integrated into the trim structure, but the passenger compartment heats up slowly and heat builds up behind the layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a plastic matrix with high thermal conductivity fillers (metal powders, metal flakes, or metal fibers) to create a carrier material that conducts heat efficiently. This composite structure allows the interior trim to function both as a structural component and as an effective heat transfer medium, resolving the contradiction between integration and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the carrier material by incorporating conductive fillers into the plastic matrix. This parameter modification transforms the material from a heat-insulating substance to a heat-conducting composite, enabling efficient heat distribution throughout the interior trim and into the passenger compartment.
2Temperature
If a heating element is positioned behind a heat-insulating layer, then the heating means can be integrated into the interior trim, but a large part of the heat is emitted in the opposite direction to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal conductivity parameter of the carrier material by incorporating conductive fillers (metal powders, flakes, or fibers) into the plastic matrix. This transformation enables the interior trim to efficiently conduct and distribute heat generated by the heating element, directing it into the passenger compartment rather than allowing heat to be emitted outward or build up behind the layer.
3Temperature
If heat is introduced into a layer with poor heat conducting properties, then the heating means can be integrated into the interior trim, but the layer becomes brittle and changes color due to accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a plastic matrix reinforced with thermally conductive fillers (metal powders, metal flakes, or metal fibers). This composite structure efficiently dissipates heat throughout the interior trim, preventing localized heat buildup that would otherwise accelerate material aging, brittleness, and color changes.
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
The solution ensures efficient heat distribution into the passenger compartment, reducing energy wastage and prolonging the life of the interior trim materials by effectively transferring heat generated by the heating element.
Implementation Method 1
Electric current is applied to this heating means, so that, as a result of the electrical resistance, heat is produced
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged on the outer side of the carrier... a filler with a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
An interior trim for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first carrier, which has an inner side, facing the passenger compartment, and an outer side, directed away from the passenger compartment. A heating element is arranged on the outer side. It is proposed to arrange a matrix and a filler in the first carrier. The filler has a thermal conductivity that is higher than that of the matrix so that heat generated by the heating element can be directed through the filler into the passenger compartment.