Heating device and method for producing a heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating devices in control cabinets and small enclosures face reliability issues due to material fatigue from temperature changes, leading to reduced heat transfer and increased risk of operational failures from loosening heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A heating device design incorporating a spring element that applies a clamping force to the heating element, ensuring secure contact with current supply devices and a heat sink, even in the event of material fatigue, using a thermally conductive heat exchanger body with a receiving cavity and support regions for the spring element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are fixed in a heat exchanger body using plastic deformation, then secure fixation is achieved, but material fatigue from temperature changes reduces holding force over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring element that dynamically adapts to material fatigue by maintaining constant clamping force through elastic deformation. The spring element compensates for the gradual loss of holding force in plastic deformation connections by automatically adjusting its compression state, ensuring reliable electrical and thermal contact throughout the service life of the heating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical property parameter from static plastic deformation to dynamic elastic deformation. The spring element's elastic modulus and compression state are optimized to provide the required clamping force while accommodating temperature-induced material fatigue, thereby maintaining consistent holding force over time.
2Strength
If heating elements are securely fixed to ensure good heat transfer, then thermal contact is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the spring element: it provides mechanical retention of the heating element, ensures thermal contact through clamping force, and maintains electrical contact with current supply devices. This single component replaces what would otherwise require separate retention mechanisms and contact elements, simplifying the overall structure while achieving secure fixation and good heat transfer.
3Reliability
If the heating element is pressed against current supply devices with high force, then electrical contact is improved, but the risk of loosening due to material fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic clamping force that maintains optimal electrical contact pressure throughout the device's service life. As the heat exchanger body undergoes material fatigue and dimensional changes from temperature cycling, the spring element automatically adjusts its compression state to maintain consistent clamping force, preventing loosening while avoiding excessive force that could damage components.
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 spring element maintains constant contact force between the heating element and current supply devices, enhancing operational reliability and heating performance by compensating for material fatigue and allowing for adjustable clamping force configurations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element (16), which is supported on at least one support region (17) of the heat exchanger body (13) and applies a clamping force toward the heating element (11) in such a way that the heating element (11) is pressed against the current supply devices (12)
Implementation Method 2
The heating element (11) is arranged in the receiving cavity (15) and is connected to the heat exchanger body (13) in a thermally conductive manner. The heat exchanger body (13) has an outer surface (14) for releasing heat to an environment
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device including at least one heating element, more particularly at least one PTC element; at least two current supply devices; and a heat exchanger body which has an outer surface for releasing heat to an environment and a receiving cavity for receiving the heating element; wherein the heating element is disposed in the receiving cavity and is thermally conductively connected to the heat exchanger body, and wherein at least one spring element is provided which is supported on at least one support region of the heat exchanger body and applies a clamping force toward the heating element such that the heating element is pressed against the current supply devices and a base, more particularly a heat sink, of the heat exchanger body.