Heating system for vehicles, vehicle comprising a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle heating systems lack flexibility and efficiency in controlling the climate within passenger compartments, particularly in commercial vehicles, as they often rely on engine-generated heat and do not allow for user-preferred temperature adjustments when the vehicle is parked or shut off.
Innovation Solution
A heating system with an electrical heating arrangement interposed between the radiator and convector walls, which can be activated independently of engine circulation, using a resistive film covering at least 80% of these surfaces and protected by membranes, allowing for efficient heating of both components, including when the vehicle is parked, and utilizing a pump and conduit system for fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical heating arrangement is added to enable heating when the vehicle is off, then the flexibility and usability of the heating system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical heating arrangement is integrated within the existing radiator structure, merging the new heating function with the existing coolant-based heating system. The electrical heater is positioned between the first radiator wall and the convector wall, allowing it to share the same space and structural framework as the traditional radiator, thus adding functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator assembly is designed to perform multiple heating functions: it can operate using engine coolant heat when the vehicle is running, and switch to or supplement with electrical heating when the vehicle is off. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated component to replace what would traditionally require separate heating systems
2Productivity
If a resistive film covers at least 80% of the radiator and convector walls, then the heating efficiency and speed is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive film is applied to cover at least 80% of the radiator and convector wall surfaces, which provides sufficient heating efficiency without requiring complete (100%) coverage. This partial coverage approach achieves the desired heating performance while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements, as small gaps or variations in coverage do not significantly impact overall function
3Reliability
If protective membranes are added to protect the heating arrangement from vibrations, then the reliability of the heating system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protective membranes are installed beforehand to shield the resistive film heating arrangement from vibrations and mechanical damage. These membranes act as a first line of defense, absorbing and distributing vibrational stresses before they can reach the delicate heating elements, thereby extending the lifespan and reliability of the heating system
4Power
If the electrical heating arrangement is interposed between the radiator wall and convector wall, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical heating arrangement is nested within the existing radiator structure, fitting into the space between the first radiator wall and the convector wall. This nested configuration allows the heating elements to be housed within the existing structural envelope, maximizing heat transfer efficiency to both the coolant flow paths and the convector surfaces without requiring external modifications
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
Enables flexible and efficient climate control within vehicle compartments, allowing for rapid heating and temperature adjustment, even when the vehicle is off, while protecting the heating components from wear and tear, and providing a robust and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
electrical heating arrangement which is interposed between the first radiator wall and the convector wall
Implementation Method 2
A resistive film which covers at least 80% of at least one of the first radiator wall and the convector wall can heat up both the radiator and the convector relatively quickly
Implementation Method 3
The warm heating element or elements then exchange heat with colder air within the driver or passenger compartments whereby the driver or passenger compartments are heated
Implementation Method 4
Both the radiator and convector can be used for efficiently distributing heat from the electrical heating arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle (60), a method (100) and a heating system (1) for vehicles are provided. The heating system (1) comprises an elongated radiator (3) having a first radiator wall (5), a second radiator wall (7) and at least one fluid channel (9) for receiving a heated fluid interposed between the first radiator (5) wall and the second radiator wall (7). The heating system (1) also comprises an elongated convector (11) with a convector wall (13) and a plurality of convector flanges (15) which protrude out from the convector wall (13). The heating system (1) further comprises an electrical heating arrangement (20) interposed between the first radiator wall (5) and the convector wall (13).