PTC electric heating assembly, electric heating device and electric vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PTC electric heating assemblies for electric vehicles face challenges in fixing and isolating PTC heating elements due to varying thicknesses and improper positioning, leading to reduced heating performance and increased volume due to high voltage requirements, which can result in arc discharge and reduced safety.

Innovation Solution

The use of an insulation fixing frame with high temperature and voltage resistance materials, such as organic polymers, to stabilize and isolate PTC heating elements, reducing interference and enhancing heating performance while maintaining safety under high voltage conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distance between electrode plates is increased to avoid arc discharge under high voltage, then safety is improved, but the volume and occupied space of the PTC heating assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidvolume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite insulating materials including resin and ceramic materials to create an insulating structure that provides high voltage resistance. This allows the electrode plates to be positioned closer together without risking arc discharge, thereby maintaining safety while reducing the overall volume of the heating assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If multiple PTC heating elements are arranged in a compact space, then the volume is reduced, but the heating elements may contact each other causing reduced heating performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolumeVSAvoidheating performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating structure as an intermediary between adjacent PTC heating elements. This insulating structure prevents direct contact between heating elements while allowing them to be arranged in a compact configuration, thereby maintaining both space efficiency and heating performance through the mediating insulating barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the heating assembly into discrete modular units, each containing PTC heating elements separated by insulating structures. This segmentation allows for compact arrangement of multiple heating elements while ensuring they remain electrically isolated, preventing contact and maintaining individual heating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If PTC heating elements are fixed without proper insulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but arc discharge may occur between elements causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to prevent arc discharge, acts as a mechanical support for fixing PTC heating elements, and maintains the structural integrity of the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate insulating components, thereby simplifying the overall device while ensuring safety.

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

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 improves the heating power and efficiency of the electric heating device, prevents arc discharge, and ensures safe operation under high voltage conditions, allowing for effective heating, defrosting, and defogging in electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

insulation fixing frame with high temperature and voltage resistance materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

insulation fixing frame with high temperature and voltage resistance materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

heating power and efficiency of the electric heating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2867041B1PTC electric heating assembly, electric heating device and electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 BYD CO LTD
  • EP2867041B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2867041B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2867041B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A PTC electric heating assembly (2) is provided, including two electrode plates (23) and a PTC heating module (20) disposed between the two electrode plates (23), and comprising an insulation fixing frame (22) and a plurality of PTC heating elements (21), the insulation fixing frame (22) defining a plurality of fixing units (220) and the PTC heating elements (21) being disposed into the fixing units (220) respectively. An electric heating device with said PTC electric heating assembly (2) is provided, including a casing (1) defining a plurality of thermal conducting grooves (160) and a medium circulating cavity (12) hermetically isolated from the thermal conducting grooves (160), and a plurality of PTC electric heating assemblies (2) are mounted into the thermal conducting grooves (160) respectively. An electric vehicle with said electric heating device is provided.