Three-Dimensionally Bent Heater for Compact Fluid Heating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heaters face challenges in achieving miniaturization and improving heating efficiency, particularly when used for fluids, due to the limitations of PTC heaters and flat plate-shaped bases.
Innovation Solution
A heater design with a base portion having a convex and concave curved surface, three-dimensionally bent, and equipped with heating elements on its surfaces, allowing for efficient heat transfer and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PTC heater with heat exchange fins is used, then self-controlled heating temperature is achieved, but miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is designed with a three-dimensionally bent shape featuring convex and concave curved surfaces, replacing traditional flat plate structures. This curvature increases the surface area for heat exchange without increasing the overall volume, enabling miniaturization while maintaining effective heating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The heater transitions from a two-dimensional flat plate structure to a three-dimensional bent structure. By utilizing spatial curvature and volumetric configuration, the heater achieves enhanced heat exchange capacity within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and heating effectiveness
2Volume of moving object
If a flat plate-shaped base portion is used, then miniaturization is achieved, but heating efficiency of the fluid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensionally bent base portion with convex and concave surfaces increases the heat exchange area within the same volumetric footprint. This curved geometry enhances fluid contact and heat transfer efficiency without compromising the compact size achieved through miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The bent base portion creates a compact, space-efficient structure that maximizes heat exchange surface area within minimal volume. The nested configuration allows the heater to maintain high heating efficiency while occupying reduced space
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 design achieves miniaturization and enhances heating efficiency by increasing contact area and reducing separation of fluid from the heater, even without increasing its dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base portion and the second surface side of the base portion
Implementation Method 2
a heater that contacts with a relatively flowing fluid and heats the contacted fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A heater according to the embodiment is a heater that contacts with a relatively flowing fluid and heats the contacted fluid. The heater includes: a base portion presenting a plate-like shape, having a first surface which is a convex curved surface and a second surface which faces the first surface and is a concave curved surface, and the base portion being three-dimensionally bent; and at least one heating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base portion and the second surface side of the base portion.