Vehicle Heating Device Printed Circuit Board Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for vehicles face challenges in reproducing the connection of heating elements with their supply lines and thermally coupling temperature detection elements to heating conductors in a precise and accessible manner, particularly due to complex soldering and positioning issues.
Innovation Solution
A heating device design featuring a compact printed circuit board with predefined connection surfaces and conductor tracks allows for automatic and reproducible connection of heating and temperature detection elements, using soldering, crimping, welding, or conductive adhesive, with the circuit board adapted to fit small spaces within vehicle components like steering wheels and door panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wiring and soldering methods are used to connect heating elements and temperature detection elements, then flexibility in connection methods is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reproducibility deteriorate due to complex positioning and soldering difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a printed circuit board as an intermediary component between the heating element and temperature detection element. The PCB provides predefined connection surfaces and conductor tracks that mediate the electrical connections, replacing direct wire-to-wire soldering. This intermediary structure enables precise positioning through standardized mounting holes and connection pads, while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the modular PCB design that can be easily replaced or reconfigured.
2Manufacturing precision
If a printed circuit board with predefined connection surfaces is used, then manufacturing precision and automation capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the printed circuit board: it serves as both the electrical connection medium (conductor tracks) and the mechanical mounting structure (with mounting holes for heating and detection elements). The PCB combines the previously separate tasks of wire routing, electrical connection, and component positioning into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added sophistication of the board itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections through conductor tracks, mechanical support through mounting holes, thermal management through heat dissipation paths, and structural integration within the heating device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the initial complexity increase with functional consolidation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating devices are designed for vehicle interiors with limited space, then adaptability to installation locations is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to constraints on connection element positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical thickness) of the printed circuit board to achieve compact design. By stacking components and routing conductor tracks in multiple layers of the PCB, the design accommodates limited installation space in vehicle interiors while maintaining precise positioning. The multi-layer PCB structure allows connections to be made in different planes, effectively using vertical space to resolve horizontal space constraints.
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 design enables precise, automated, and reproducible connections, improving the thermal coupling and heat transfer between heating elements and temperature detection elements, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of heating systems in vehicles with limited installation space.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element, which has at least one heating conductor, which forms an electrical heating circuit
Implementation Method 2
the temperature detection element can be coupled to the heating conductor in a thermally defined manner
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An apparatus for heating surfaces in the internal space of a motor vehicle comprises at least one heating element, having at least one heating conductor that forms an electrical heating circuit, and at least one carrier material, wherein the heating conductor has at least two HC terminal ends and the temperature acquisition element has at least two TA terminal ends. This apparatus for heating is characterized in that at least two of the HC and TA terminal ends are electrically connected to first HC terminal areas or first TA terminal areas of a printed circuit board and in that the printed circuit board has second HC terminal areas and second TA terminal areas, wherein the first HC terminal areas and the second HC terminal areas are at least in part connected to each other via first pcb traces and the first TA terminal areas and the second TA terminal areas via second pcb traces, wherein the first and the second pcb traces are part of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board is arranged on, under or at the at least one carrier material.