Electric heating device and method for its production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices with PTC heating elements face challenges in securing the seal between the heating element and the partition wall, leading to potential leaks and reduced vibration resistance, especially in high-voltage applications like automotive technology.
Innovation Solution
A press ring is integrated into the receptacle to securely hold the seal in place, providing a positive-fit and force-fit mechanism that prevents the seal from detaching and enhances the sealing effect, while also improving heat dissipation and electrical shielding by connecting the heater casing to the housing's ground terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is held frictionally engaged in the receptacle, then the assembly is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient and the seal may detach under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-assembled with the heater casing in a positive-fit manner (e.g., by injection molding) before the heater casing is mounted in the receptacle. This preliminary action ensures the seal is securely attached to the heater casing, preventing detachment under vibration while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The press ring acts as an intermediary component that is inserted into the receptacle and presses against both the heater casing and the seal. This press ring provides additional mechanical retention, preventing the seal from detaching while allowing the assembly to remain relatively simple without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the PTC heating element is clamped between the base and the heating element receptacle, then the mechanical securing is improved, but the sealing effectiveness is reduced due to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-assembled with the heater casing in a positive-fit manner (e.g., by injection molding) before the heater casing is mounted in the receptacle. This preliminary action ensures the seal is securely attached to the heater casing, preventing detachment under vibration while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The press ring acts as an intermediary component that is inserted into the receptacle and presses against both the heater casing and the seal. This press ring provides additional mechanical retention, preventing the seal from detaching while allowing the assembly to remain relatively simple without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
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 enhances the sealing and vibration resistance of the electric heating device, reduces thermal introduction into control electronics, and improves electrical safety by preventing fluid ingress and ensuring reliable electrical connections, particularly in high-voltage environments.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is made of resiliently soft plastic material, typically an elastomer; the seal may be made of silicone
Implementation Method 2
The press ring is pressed into the receptacle and thereby pressed between the heater casing and a wall of the partition wall defining the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
at least one PTC element and conductor tracks connected thereto in an electrically conductive manner which are associated with different polarities for energizing the PTC element
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating device comprises a housing with a partition wall which separates a connection chamber from a heating chamber for dissipating heat and from which at least one PTC heating element with a heater casing protrudes in the direction toward the heating chamber. The at least one PTC element and conductor tracks are supported in the heater casing in an insulated manner. The heater casing is sealed against the partition wall by way of a seal arranged in a receptacle of the partition wall circumferentially surrounding the heater casing. A press ring is arranged in the receptacle and surrounds the heater casing circumferentially, securing the seal in the receptacle. A method of forming such an electric heating device also is disclosed.