Vehicle Fluid Tank Inductive Heating Using Road-Embedded Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating fluids in vehicles, such as using vehicle electrical sockets or external microwaves, are inconvenient or impractical, especially in situations where power is needed for other purposes or in cold weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an inductive heating element embedded in the road to heat a fluid tank attached to the vehicle, controlled by a processor that lowers and raises the tank to maintain a target temperature, using an elevator apparatus and suspension system to optimize heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical sockets in the vehicle are used to heat fluid, then heating function is provided, but convenience deteriorates when sockets are in use for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external power source (generator or battery) as an intermediary device that provides electrical power independently of the vehicle's internal electrical system. This mediator enables heating functionality without competing for the vehicle's electrical sockets, thus resolving the contradiction between heating convenience and socket availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is extracted from the vehicle's internal electrical system and positioned externally. The fluid container with heating element is placed outside the vehicle, powered by an external power source, thereby separating the heating function from the vehicle's electrical infrastructure and eliminating socket availability constraints.
2Temperature
If vehicle stops at rest stops or gas stations to use microwaves, then fluid heating is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to travel delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the heating element and power source in proximity to the vehicle's path. By placing the generator or battery near the travel route and pre-configuring the heating system, the vehicle can be heated without deviating from its planned route, thus maintaining productivity while achieving the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
An external power source (generator or battery) acts as a mediator that enables heating without requiring the vehicle to stop at traditional locations. The intermediary power source is positioned near the vehicle's travel path, allowing in-motion or minimal-stop heating and thus preserving travel efficiency.
3Temperature
If vehicle electrical power is used to heat transported fluid, then heating function is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the vehicle's electrical system and relocated to an external power source. The generator or battery is positioned outside the vehicle, separating the energy consumption for heating from the vehicle's electrical power, thus reducing the vehicle's energy usage while maintaining fluid temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
An external power source serves as a mediator that supplies electrical energy for heating independently of the vehicle's power system. This intermediary energy source transfers power to the heating element without drawing from the vehicle's electrical reserves, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and energy consumption.
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
Provides convenient and efficient heating of fluids in vehicles without delays, maintaining target temperatures during travel and preventing fluid solidification in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizes an inductive heating element embedded in a road to heat a fluid tank attached to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for heating a fluid being transported in a vehicle. An example method includes identifying, by a processor, a target fluid temperature and determining, based on the target fluid temperature, a separation distance between a tank attached to an underbody of the vehicle and an inductive heating element embedded in a road. The processor lowers the tank to a heating position above the inductive heating element based on the separation distance, and retains the tank in the heating position for using the inductive heating element to heat a fluid contained in the tank. The processor may raise the tank to a retracted position upon determining that the fluid has been heated to the target fluid temperature. The processor re-lowers the tank to the heating position upon detecting a drop in temperature of the fluid when the tank is in the retracted position.