Removable Coolant Pre-Heater Element for Faster Engine Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine pre-heaters are not environmentally friendly, require complex maintenance, and lack efficient heating due to non-removable electrical elements and insufficient surface area for coolant contact.
Innovation Solution
A simple and environmentally friendly engine pre-heater system with easily removable and replaceable electric heating elements having a greater surface area, designed for direct contact with coolant, and capable of heating both coolant and transmission oil for quick engine start-ups, utilizing a detachable power source and pump for efficient coolant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical elements are internally positioned within the pre-heater housing, then heating function is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become difficult requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-heater assembly is divided into separable components: the housing containing the coolant passage and the electrical heating element. The heating element can be independently removed from the housing through the passage opening, allowing maintenance without disassembling the entire pre-heater assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical heating element is extracted from the housing as a separate removable component. The element can be inserted into and removed from the housing through the passage opening, enabling easy maintenance and replacement without affecting the housing structure.
2Reliability
If conventional heating elements are used, then basic heating is provided, but surface area for coolant contact is insufficient reducing heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element transitions from a simple linear configuration to an L-shaped configuration with both horizontal and vertical segments. This dimensional change increases the surface area in contact with coolant flowing through the passage, improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining the same volume of the element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the heating element serve different functions: the horizontal portion contacts coolant entering the passage while the vertical portion contacts coolant flowing along the passage. This local differentiation maximizes heat transfer at each section of the coolant flow path.
3Device complexity
If the pre-heater is designed to heat only coolant, then simple design is maintained, but ability to heat engine oil and transmission oil is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-heater assembly is designed to heat multiple types of fluids (coolant, engine oil, transmission oil) using the same basic structure. The housing and heating element configuration can accommodate different fluid types by simply changing the fluid passage configuration, without requiring different heating 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 system provides a durable, efficient, and uncomplicated solution for heating engine components, enabling faster and more reliable engine warm-ups while being environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric heating element inserted into the at least one opening... enabling the heating element to directly heat the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a pump for circulating the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
An engine pre-heater system comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the pre-heater. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separate from the passage, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the passage whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling it to heat the coolant, and a lower end of the heating element is L-shaped, the lower end thus being substantially perpendicular in relationship to the remainder of the heating element, giving the heating element a greater surface area with which to contact, and thus heat the coolant. The engine pre-heater system is also operably able to heat the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil, therefore heating the coolant and warming the engine in a faster and more efficient manner for quick start-ups.