Modular Honeycomb Heat Generating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat generating elements, such as honeycomb structural bodies used as catalyst carriers, are limited in their ability to be easily adjusted in shape for applications beyond exhaust gas purification, and they may not efficiently generate heat for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A heat generating element comprising a plurality of honeycomb structure units, each with a honeycomb structure portion and electrode portions for energization, arranged such that a fluid passes through one unit, then through an insulating portion, and finally through another unit, allowing for efficient heat generation and shape adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a honeycomb structural body is used as a catalyst carrier and heat generating element, then heat generation capability is improved, but shape adaptability for different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generating element is divided into multiple honeycomb structure units (first honeycomb structure unit, second honeycomb structure unit, etc.) that can be arranged in different configurations. Each unit includes partition walls forming cells that extend from a first end surface to a second end surface, allowing modular assembly to achieve various shapes while maintaining heat generation functionality through energization of each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The honeycomb structure units serve multiple functions: they act as catalyst carriers, heat generating elements through energization, and structural components that define fluid flow passages. The insulating portion between units also serves dual purposes as both thermal insulation and structural support, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different application requirements
2Power
If multiple honeycomb structure units are arranged closely to improve heat generation efficiency, then energy utilization is improved, but temperature control and heat management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating portion is provided between the first honeycomb structure unit and the second honeycomb structure unit. This insulating portion acts as a thermal mediator that prevents excessive heat transfer between adjacent units, allowing each unit to maintain its temperature for efficient heat generation while preventing localized overheating and enabling better overall temperature control of the heat generating element
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 proposed heat generating element achieves excellent heat generation characteristics while allowing for easy shape adjustment, making it suitable for various applications beyond exhaust gas purification, with efficient energy utilization and controlled temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a honeycomb structure portion (10) that can generate heat by energization
Implementation Method 2
an insulating portion (30) formed between the first honeycomb structure unit (1) and the second honeycomb structure unit (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a heat generating element, which has excellent heat generation characteristics, and has a shape that can be easily adjusted. A heat generating element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of honeycomb structure units each including a honeycomb structure portion that includes partition walls, and is configured to generate heat by energization, the partition walls defining and forming a plurality of cells that extend from a first end surface to a second end surface of the honeycomb structure portion, and serve as fluid flow passages. The plurality of honeycomb structure units include a first honeycomb structure unit and a second honeycomb structure unit, and a fluid having passed through the first honeycomb structure unit passes through an insulating portion that is formed between the first honeycomb structure unit and the second honeycomb structure unit, and then passes through the second honeycomb structure unit.