Heat Protection Device for Wheel Electronics Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel electronics units in vehicles, particularly in sports cars, are prone to overheating during sporty driving modes due to heat conduction and radiation from brake disks, leading to potential short-term or long-term defects and the need for costly replacement.
Innovation Solution
A heat protection device with a main body featuring thermal insulation, a fastening mechanism for easy installation, and additional features like spacers for air gaps, heat reflection surfaces, and interlocking portions to reduce heat transfer and provide effective thermal protection for the wheel electronics unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel electronics unit is used in sports vehicles with sharp braking maneuvers, then the monitoring function is provided, but the wheel electronics unit overheats and becomes defective
Solution Approach 1:
A heat protection device is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat source (brake disk/rim) and the wheel electronics unit. This device includes a heat-protective coating layer applied to the rim inner side and a heat protection element positioned near the electronics unit, creating thermal barriers that mediate the heat transfer path and protect the sensitive electronics from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal properties of the rim structure are modified by applying a heat-protective coating layer with specific thermal insulation characteristics. This coating changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the rim surface, reducing heat conduction to the electronics unit. Additionally, air gaps are introduced to change the heat transfer mode from direct conduction to convection/radiation, further reducing thermal loading.
2Temperature
If heat protection measures are added to protect wheel electronics unit, then thermal protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat protection system is segmented into distinct functional components: a heat-protective coating layer applied to the rim inner side, and a separate heat protection element positioned adjacent to the electronics unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables modular installation or removal based on specific application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat protection element acts as a physical intermediary barrier between the heat source and the electronics unit. It includes features like air gaps and insulating materials that mediate heat transfer, providing effective thermal protection while maintaining a relatively simple structural form that can be integrated into existing wheel designs.
3Temperature
If heat protection device is added separately, then thermal insulation is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-protective coating layer is applied to the rim inner side during the rim manufacturing process, before the wheel assembly is completed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate coating application steps during assembly. The heat protection element is designed with pre-formed attachment features that align with corresponding features on the electronics unit or rim, enabling straightforward installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat protection element incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features such as attachment protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses, or adhesive layers that automatically bond when surfaces are brought into contact. This self-service design reduces the need for complex installation tools or procedures, allowing the heat protection device to be installed easily even by non-experts.
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 heat protection device effectively reduces the risk of overheating and extends the lifespan of wheel electronics units, allowing for cost-effective retrofitting and use of standard components, while ensuring reliable operation during high-heat conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat protection portion (40) for thermally insulating the wheel electronics unit (100) in the fastened position
Data Source
AI summary
A heat protection device for a wheel electronics unit on a rim of a wheel of a vehicle, having a main body with a fastening portion for fastening to the wheel electronics unit, and at least one heat protection portion for thermally insulating the wheel electronics unit in the fastened position.