Heating Radiator PCB Zoning for Compact Switch Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply modules for heating radiators in motor vehicles face challenges in size constraints, heat dissipation, and complex spatial distribution of conductive tracks, which affect their efficiency and integration within the vehicle's housing.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module with a printed circuit board divided into distinct zones for connections with the heating body, electronic switches, and connectors, arranged side by side to minimize space and facilitate heat dissipation using a heatsink and air flow, with a T-shaped configuration to optimize component grouping and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the power supply module uses a conventional printed circuit board configuration, then the electrical connection between components is established, but the heat dissipation from electronic switches is insufficient and the module occupies excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply module area
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit board is divided into three distinct zones (first zone for heating body connection, second zone for electronic switches, third zone for connectors) arranged side by side in transverse direction, allowing optimized heat dissipation and space utilization for each functional area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The zones are arranged side by side in the transverse direction rather than sequentially along the longitudinal axis, transforming the linear layout into a multi-dimensional configuration that improves heat dissipation while reducing overall module area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the power supply module components are distributed in conventional configurations, then electrical connections are established, but the spatial distribution of conductive tracks becomes complex and integration space is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack distribution complexityVSAvoidintegration space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit board is segmented into three functional zones with dedicated connection areas, simplifying the spatial distribution of conductive tracks by grouping connections of the same type within each zone and reducing track routing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each zone is optimized for its specific function with localized connection points and track distributions tailored to the requirements of heating body connections, electronic switches, and external connectors, respectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for efficient heat dissipation, reduced space requirements, and simplified track distribution, enhancing the overall performance and integration of the power supply module within the vehicle's housing while maintaining a compact and efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

said heating radiator comprises a heat sink extending parallel to the plane of extension of the heating body, so as to allow dissipation of the heat released by said electronic switches by a flow of air passing through the heating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

These heating elements are capable of heating a flow of air sent into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle after passing through the heating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3728961B1Power supply module for heating radiator and heating radiator comprising such a module
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP3728961B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3728961B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3728961B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating radiator (1) comprising a power supply module (2) and a heating body (3), said power supply module (2) comprising a printed circuit board (20), a plurality of electronic switches (21) and one or more connectors (22) for connecting to an external circuit, said printed circuit board (20) comprising a first zone (200) providing an electrical connection with the heating body (3), a second zone (210) providing an electrical connection with the electronic switches (21) and a third zone (220) providing an electrical connection with the one or more connectors (22), said first, second and third zones being located side-by-side in this order in a direction that is transverse to a plane in which the heating body (2) extends.