Heating module for a heating system of a habitable vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems for habitable vehicles require larger, more powerful heaters to maintain appropriate heating, which are inefficient and take up more space, and lack flexibility in installation and control.

Innovation Solution

A compact, flexible heating module with an air guide element and heating element that can be integrated into existing systems, featuring a sensor device for temperature control and a control device for communication with other system components, allowing for efficient heat distribution and prevention of overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If larger, more powerful heaters are used to maintain appropriate heating in larger habitable spaces, then heating performance is improved, but space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating performanceVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into multiple heating modules that can be distributed throughout the habitable space. Each module contains a heating element and air guide element, allowing heating functionality to be segmented across multiple locations rather than requiring one large centralized heater.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating module is designed to be universally applicable in various habitable spaces and configurations. The same modular unit can serve different purposes and be installed in different locations, replacing the need for multiple specialized heating devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If larger, more powerful heaters are used to maintain appropriate heating in larger habitable spaces, then heating performance is improved, but ease of installation and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating performanceVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into multiple heating modules that can be distributed throughout the habitable space. Each module contains a heating element and air guide element, allowing heating functionality to be segmented across multiple locations rather than requiring one large centralized heater.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing modules to be installed in different positions and orientations. The air guide elements can direct heated air in various directions, and the modular design enables easy addition or removal of heating units based on changing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If heated air is distributed via pipes or hoses from a central heating system, then heating coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating module extracts the essential heating functionality from a complex centralized system with pipes and hoses. By integrating the heating element and air guide element into a single self-contained module, the system eliminates the need for extensive piping infrastructure while maintaining heating coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element and air guide element are merged into a single integrated heating module. This combination consolidates multiple functions into one unit, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute heated air effectively throughout the habitable space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 heating module provides efficient heat distribution while minimizing space requirements and allowing for flexible installation and control, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to heat air flowing from the air inlet opening to the air outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The heating module has a sensor device which is designed to detect the temperature of the air flowing through the heating module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP3720726B1Heating module for a heating system of a habitable vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 TRUMA GERATETECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3720726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP3720726B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3720726B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a heating module (12) for a heating system (10) of a habitable vehicle, the module comprising: - a module housing (36) having an air inlet opening (56) and an air outlet opening (58); - an air conduction element (76) which is accommodated in the module housing (36), has multiple conduction sections (92, 94, 96), and is connected to the air inlet opening (56) and the air outlet opening (58); and - at least one heating element (110, 112; 210, 212), said heating element (110, 112; 210, 212) being designed to heat air flowing from the air inlet opening (56) to the air outlet opening (58).