Vehicle Radiant Heating Panel With Variable Electrode Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiant panels face challenges in achieving homogeneous heating across their surface due to voltage drops and varying electrical resistance between electrodes, leading to uneven heating, especially when installed in complex vehicle compartments with geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
A radiant panel design with a variable inter-distance between contact electrodes and a network of distribution electrodes to maintain uniform electrical power, using conductive materials like metallic inks and flexible substrates to ensure consistent heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inter-distance between contact electrodes is uniform, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the heating homogeneity deteriorates due to voltage drops along the distribution electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the inter-distance between contact electrodes variable rather than uniform. Specifically, the inter-distance decreases in regions where voltage drop is more significant along the distribution electrode, compensating for the voltage loss and maintaining uniform power distribution across the resistive layer. This localized adjustment of electrode spacing resolves the contradiction by prioritizing heating homogeneity in critical regions while accepting increased manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the radiant panel uses a fixed geometric shape, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the adaptability to different vehicle compartment shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the radiant panel flexible rather than rigid. The panel can be bent and deformed to adapt to various geometric constraints of vehicle compartments (doors, pillars, roof, etc.) while maintaining the functional integrity of the electrode network and resistive layer. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing the panel to change its shape according to the installation location without requiring different manufacturing processes for each geometry.
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 provides homogeneous heating by reducing electrical resistance and maintaining uniform power distribution, allowing for simple manufacturing and integration into complex vehicle compartment shapes while being imperceptible and flexible.
Implementation Method 1
a radiant panel comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver heat by Joule effect by supplying electric current to a conductive coating
Implementation Method 2
the conductive coating may be, for example, a layer of paint comprising carbon particles and/or metal particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating structure (30) which is intended in particular to be installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the heating structure (30) comprising at least one resistive layer arranged to release heat when an electric current passes through this layer (36), this panel further comprising an electrode array comprising a plurality of contact electrodes (34) arranged to be in electrical contact with the resistive layer in order to allow electric current to flow through this resistive layer.