Vehicle Wing Heating at the Seal Interface for Frozen Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wing elements, such as doors and flaps, often freeze to the main structure during cold temperatures, making it difficult to open them without high forces, which can damage the sealing elements and compromise the sealing function.
Innovation Solution
A heating system with a heating element, such as a heating coil, is integrated into the contact surface between the wing element and the main structure, controlled by a unit that activates the heating when the wing element is locked and the handle is pulled, with a sensor to detect freezing conditions and a brake mechanism to prevent sudden opening, utilizing battery power and a separate power supply for autonomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element is integrated into the contact surface between the wing element and the main structure, then the sealing element can be heated to prevent freezing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the contact surface between the wing element and main structure, merging the heating function with the existing sealing structure. This combination allows the heating element to be positioned precisely where needed to prevent freezing of the sealing element, while sharing structural space and reducing the need for separate heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary between the electrical power source and the sealing element, transferring thermal energy to prevent freezing. By positioning the heating element at the contact surface, it directly heats the sealing element without requiring complex thermal distribution systems throughout the entire wing structure.
2Ease of operation
If the heating element is activated automatically by the control unit, then the user can open the wing element easily without high forces, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates the heating element automatically when the wing element is detected to be frozen, applying heat in advance before the user attempts to open the wing element. This preliminary heating action prevents the need for high opening forces and ensures easy operation, while the automatic activation ensures energy is only consumed when actually needed rather than continuously.
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 system effectively prevents the wing element from being opened too quickly, ensuring safe and easy operation by heating the frozen areas and providing a reliable sealing function even in cold conditions, reducing the risk of damage to the sealing elements.
Implementation Method 1
A heating system with a heating element, such as a heating coil, is integrated into the contact surface between the wing element and the main structure
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system for a vehicle wing element, wherein the wing element is moveably arranged between an open position and a closed position relative to a vehicle main structure. The heating system includes a heating element at a contact surface between the wing element and the main structure and a control unit for activating the heating element. The system further includes a wing element handle sensor and a wing element latch switch. The switch is operatively connected to the control unit for sending a signal indicative of its state to the control unit. The control unit is arranged to send an activation signal to the heating element when the control unit receives a signal from the wing element handle sensor that the handle is being pulled and a signal from the wing element latch switch that the wing element is closed.