Parallel Resistive Heating Elements for Vehicle Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating elements in vehicles, such as those integrated into trim components, face issues with damage from deformation and the formation of hot spots due to their brittleness and single resistive element design, leading to uneven temperature distribution and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heating element comprising multiple resistive elements arranged parallel to each other on a carrier layer, with smaller cross-sectional sizes to distribute deformation and reduce hot spots, made from conductive pastes or lacquers like silver and carbon fibers, allowing for even temperature distribution and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single resistive element is used in a resilient trim component, then the heating function is provided, but the resistive element is damaged or destroyed by deformation of the resilient component
Solution Approach 1:
The single resistive element is divided into multiple separate resistive elements (at least two) that are arranged in parallel within the resilient trim component. This segmentation allows each individual element to better accommodate deformation without catastrophic failure, as the damage to one element does not necessarily compromise the entire heating system.
2Area of stationary object
If a single resistive element is arranged in meander or serpentine fashion, then the heating coverage is increased, but areas of elevated temperature (hot spots) are generated due to increased current flow on inner sides of arcuate sections
Solution Approach 1:
The single meandering resistive element is segmented into multiple parallel resistive elements. This distribution of current paths reduces the current density in any single arcuate section, thereby minimizing hot spot formation while maintaining comprehensive heating coverage through the parallel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging multiple resistive elements in parallel rather than a single meandering path, the current distribution is optimized locally across different sections. Each parallel element carries a portion of the total current, creating more uniform local heating conditions and eliminating the concentration of current on inner arcuate sides.
3Reliability
If heating mats or heating foils are integrated into trim components, then the heating function is provided, but additional costs are incurred due to mounting or integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged directly into the resilient trim component itself by integrating multiple resistive elements within the component structure. This eliminates the need for separate heating mats or foils and their associated mounting hardware, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining reliable heating functionality.
4Temperature
If air conditioner heats air and distributes it through outlets, then the passenger compartment is heated, but areas that do not require heating are also heated and high energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform air heating throughout the compartment, the heating system provides localized heating at specific trim component surfaces where passengers make contact. This targeted approach heats only the areas that require it, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to heating the entire air volume.
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 reduces the risk of damage to the heating elements from deformation and minimizes hot spots, achieving a more even temperature distribution and enhanced passenger comfort with reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The heat generated by the electric resistance is used to heat the trim component
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heating element (22) for a trim component (41) for cladding an interior space (54) of a means of passenger transport (30), in particular a vehicle (52), the heating element (22) comprising carrier layer (26), and at least two resistive elements (24) being arranged on the carrier layer (26) or embedded into the carrier layer (26), and connectable or connected to a power grid (28) of the means of passenger transport (30), the resistive elements (24) running substantially parallel to each other in or on the carrier layer (26). Beyond that the present invention relates to a trim component (41) comprising such a heating element (22) and to a means of passenger transport (30) comprising such a trim component (41).