Electric heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices with PTC heating elements have a bulky design due to the perpendicular orientation of heating ribs, which restricts fluid flow and heat dissipation efficiency, and lack a compact structure suitable for motor vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
The electric heating device features PTC heating elements oriented obliquely relative to a rectangular base, with inlet and outlet openings in diagonally opposite corners, and a housing design that includes conically tapering feed guides and longitudinal grooves to ensure efficient fluid flow and heat dissipation, allowing for a more compact structure and improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PTC heating elements are oriented perpendicular to the partition wall, then the heating structure is simple to manufacture, but the device becomes bulky and fluid flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The heating ribs are oriented obliquely at approximately 45 degrees to the base area instead of perpendicular, creating an asymmetric configuration that reduces the device volume while maintaining heating functionality. This angular orientation allows for more compact arrangement of multiple heating ribs within the heating chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating ribs extend not only in the vertical direction but also in the longitudinal direction of the housing, creating a three-dimensional heating structure. This dimensional extension allows heat to be dissipated in multiple directions simultaneously, improving heating efficiency while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Device complexity
If PTC heating elements are oriented perpendicular to the partition wall, then the structural design is simplified, but heat dissipation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating ribs extend in both vertical and longitudinal directions, creating a three-dimensional heat dissipation structure. This allows heat to be transferred to the fluid from multiple surfaces (top, bottom, and side surfaces) simultaneously, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency compared to perpendicular orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating ribs are arranged within the heating chamber, each contributing to heat dissipation. The segmentation of the heating function across multiple obliquely oriented ribs increases the total heat transfer surface area and improves overall heat dissipation efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If PTC heating elements are arranged in oblique orientation, then the device achieves compact structure, but the fluid flow path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes specific flow guidance features such as inlet openings positioned to direct fluid flow along the heating ribs, and outlet openings in diagonally opposite corners. These localized flow control features manage the fluid path complexity by creating defined flow channels that accommodate the oblique heating rib arrangement.
4Productivity
If inlet and outlet openings are positioned in diagonally opposite corners, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into functional regions with the partition wall separating the connection chamber from the heating chamber. The inlet and outlet openings are strategically positioned in diagonally opposite corners of the heating chamber, creating an efficient fluid flow path that maximizes heat exchange while the modular housing design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
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
This configuration results in a more compact and efficient heat dissipation system with reduced flow resistance, enabling effective heating of fluids and improved operational efficiency of the PTC heating devices.
Implementation Method 1
PTC heating device (112) that protrudes from the housing (102, 104) as a heating rib (117) in a direction toward the heating chamber (106)... at least one PTC element (12)... for energizing the PTC element with different polarities
Implementation Method 2
a housing design that includes conically tapering feed guides and longitudinal grooves to ensure efficient fluid flow and heat dissipation
Implementation Method 3
PTC heating elements oriented obliquely relative to a rectangular base... improved heat transfer... compact and efficient heat dissipation system
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating device comprised a housing having a partition wall, which separates a connection chamber from a heating chamber for dissipating heat and from which at least one PTC heating element protrudes as a heating rib in the direction toward the heating chamber. The PTC heating device comprises at least one PTC element and conductor tracks that are electrically connected in the connection chamber for energizing the PTC element with different polarities and that are connected to the PTC element in an electrically conductive manner. The heating chamber, in a top view onto the partition wall, has a substantially rectangular base area. The PTC heating devices are arranged obliquely relative to the base area for a more compact configuration of the electric heating device.