Low Voltage Electric Heating Element With Insulated Control Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face challenges with heating systems due to electromagnetic disturbances and the risk of electric arcs when using high voltage for electric heaters, which affect radio reception and require complex arc management.

Innovation Solution

An electric heating device with a heating body and control module designed for low voltage operation, featuring a flexible electrical insulator covering the cavity walls to prevent arcs and provide electromagnetic shielding, allowing for simplified management of high voltage and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high voltage (80-600V) is used to power the electric heating element, then heating performance is improved, but electromagnetic disturbances and electric arc risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating powerVSAvoidelectromagnetic disturbances and electric arcs
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is divided into spatially separated zones: a high voltage zone for the heating element and a low voltage zone for the control module. The partition wall with insulated through-holes creates physical segmentation that isolates electromagnetic disturbances and electric arc risks to the heating zone while protecting the control zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the high voltage heating element and the low voltage control module. It provides electrical insulation through the insulating layer and controlled conductive paths through the through-holes, mediating the interaction between high and low voltage systems while preventing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex arc management systems are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc management safetyVSAvoidarc management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall structure provides self-service arc management through its inherent design: the insulating layer on the high voltage side automatically prevents electric arcs from reaching the control module, while the through-holes provide controlled conductive paths. This passive structural solution eliminates the need for additional active arc management components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall uses simple, inexpensive materials (insulating layer and standard wall structure) to provide arc protection, replacing complex and expensive arc management systems. The straightforward structural approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If integrated control module is housed within the heating body cavity, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic interference and arc risk to control module increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and arc risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is nested within the heating body cavity, creating a compact integrated structure. The partition wall with insulating layer and through-holes is nested within this configuration, providing protective barriers while maintaining the nested, space-efficient arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer on the partition wall acts as a thin film barrier that provides electromagnetic shielding and electric arc protection to the control module while occupying minimal space. This thin protective layer enables compact integration without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively manages electric arcs and electromagnetic disturbances, simplifies manufacturing, and enables easy recycling of the heating device while maintaining effective heating performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical insulator is provided which covers the walls delimiting the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

at least one electric heating element whose operation is placed under the control of a control module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

heating body in which is installed at least one electric heating element... a flow of air contained by a casing of this installation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2692199B1Heat exchanger having electric heating elements
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2692199B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2692199B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical heating device (1) including a heating body in which at least one electric heating element (8) is installed, the operation of said electric heating element being dependent on a control module (3) constituting the heating device, the heating body (2) including walls (5) at least partially defining a cavity (6) in which the control module (3) is accommodated, characterized in that the electrical heating element (8) and the control module (3) are suitable for being supplied with a so-called low voltage of between 80 and 600 volts, and in that an electrical insulator (17), which covers the walls (5) defining the cavity, is provided.