Device for cooling individual heat sources on printed circuit board assemblies

Abstract

This invention provides an apparatus for cooling independent heat sources located on one or more printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. The apparatus includes a bladder with a plurality of orifices positioned substantially aligned with the location of each independent heat source and providing independent airflow to the location of each independent heat source, thereby providing directional forced convection cooling to each independent heat source. The apparatus also includes a forced air source directed to inflate the bladder, thereby generating an airflow entering the bladder and exiting through the plurality of orifices. The overall dimensions of the bladder are such that, when the bladder is secured in an arrangement that substantially aligns the orifices with the heat source, the bladder, after inflation, extends over the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located, and allows an airflow of substantially uniform air temperature to exit through the independent orifices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for cooling individual heat sources on a printed circuit board assembly. In particular, the invention relates to a cooling apparatus comprising a bladder configured to inflate to generate an airflow through a plurality of orifices associated with the bladder, the orifices being positioned substantially aligned with the location of each individual heat source and providing an independent airflow to the location of each individual heat source. Background Technology

[0002] A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is a known device for supporting electronic components and for interconnecting these components in an electronic circuit. Specifically, a PCB assembly typically includes electronic components with terminals that are electrically connected to the PCB by soldering them to conductors (e.g., traces, pads, etc.), which are responsible for creating electrical connections between the components. These electronic components typically include capacitors, resistors, inductors, diodes, and semiconductor devices (such as microprocessors).

[0003] PCB assemblies are used in a wide variety of electronic products and applications. One specific application discussed in this article involves PCB assemblies configured for use with energy storage systems, specifically with energy storage battery cells (also known as battery stacks). However, there are many additional applications utilizing PCB assemblies, including but not limited to medical devices, lighting, consumer electronics, industrial installations, automotive components, aerospace components, marine applications, security devices, telecommunications equipment, and military and defense applications.

[0004] Most components on a PCB assembly generate heat, and transistors in particular generate and dissipate a significant amount of heat due to the current flowing through them. The heat-generating transistors commonly used in PCB assemblies are metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Problems arise when components such as MOSFETs generate heat and dissipate large amounts of thermal energy, including but not limited to circuit interruptions (e.g., due to solder separation), component oxidation, and loss of structural integrity, all of which can affect the performance of the PCB assembly. In extreme cases, PCB components can become so hot that they cause irreparable failure and malfunction of the PCB assembly. Therefore, cooling of heat sources on the PCB assembly is necessary.

[0005] The applicant’s known cooling techniques include mounting one or more heat sinks onto components on a PCB assembly, such that the heat sinks are attached to one or more heat-generating components to absorb and dissipate heat. These cooling techniques may be effective, but they increase the cost, complexity, and weight of the PCB assembly.

[0006] An alternative known cooling method is to provide airflow from a cooling air source across the entire PCB assembly. The problem with this technique is that the cooling air temperature increases as the airflow travels across the PCB assembly from the air source, passing through each component to be cooled. This results in the last component in the air path receiving significantly warmer air compared to the first component receiving cooling air in the flow path. Therefore, a cooling device is needed that provides air of a substantially uniform temperature to each heat source, regardless of the location of each heat source and / or air source on the PCB assembly.

[0007] Another problem arising from the fact that PCB assemblies are manufactured in many different shapes and sizes and have various heat source locations is that existing cooling technologies are not suitable for inexpensive application to PCB assembly constructions. Therefore, there is a need for a cooling device that can be inexpensively adapted to and manufactured and / or constructed, enabling the cooling device to be used for a variety of different PCB assembly shapes and sizes as well as different component arrangements.

[0008] Other issues related to existing PCB assembly cooling technologies known to the applicant include, but are not limited to, difficulties associated with securing the cooling device to the PCB assembly, and air leakage when attempting to direct airflow to cool heat sources on the PCB assembly.

[0009] The apparatus of the present invention attempts to solve or at least improve some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0010] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not and should not be construed as an admission or implication that the prior art is part of common general knowledge or obvious to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for cooling one or more independent heat sources located on one or more printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, the apparatus comprising a bladder including a plurality of holes positioned substantially aligned with the location of each independent heat source and providing an independent airflow to the location of each independent heat source, thereby providing directional forced convection cooling to each independent heat source, one or more forced air sources being directed to inflate the bladder, thereby generating an airflow entering the bladder and exiting through the plurality of holes, wherein the overall dimensions of the bladder are such that, when the bladder is secured in an arrangement such that the holes are substantially aligned with the heat source, the bladder extends on the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located after inflation, the inflated bladder making the cooling airflow through each hole substantially uniform by compensating for any airflow variations with respect to the incoming airflow into the bladder, and achieving substantially uniform cooling due to the uniform air temperature of the airflow exiting through the independent holes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air directed to inflate the airbag is ambient air. Alternatively, the air directed to inflate the airbag is cooled to a temperature below ambient.

[0013] In an embodiment, the cooling airflow flowing out of each pore to the corresponding heat source is achieved by a pore having a nominal cross-sectional area at the locations of multiple pores, which is large enough to be sufficiently large compared to the total area of ​​the pores, so that even if there are variations in the airflow entering the pore, a substantially uniform airflow can be achieved through pores of substantially similar size.

[0014] In an embodiment, the nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder is two or more times the total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder is approximately three times the total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder.

[0016] In one embodiment, after the bladder is secured and inflated, the inflation causes the bladder to hover over one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located. In a particular embodiment, the bladder is secured to one or more PCB assemblies with a configuration that causes it to hover over them.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bladder is secured to one or more PCB assemblies by means of one or more fasteners, which enable a distance to be maintained between the one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder after inflation.

[0018] In one embodiment, one or more fasteners are rivets, each rivet comprising a head disposed within the bladder and a shank extending through a coaxial fastening hole associated with the bladder and one or more PCB assemblies.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the one or more fasteners further includes a spacer disposed between the fastener head and one or more PCB assemblies, and the height of the spacer is such that the bladder can hover over one or more PCB assemblies at a distance substantially corresponding to the height of the spacer. In one embodiment, the fastener and the bladder are pre-assembled.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sac opening is formed during the manufacture of the sac, and the manufacture of the sac also includes the formation of a fastening hole, with a rivet configured to extend through the fastening hole.

[0021] In this embodiment, the formation of the bladder holes and fastening holes is achieved using a reference method, wherein fastening holes aligned with bladder fixing points on one or more PCB assemblies are used as reference points to determine the position of each bladder hole, thereby ensuring that after the bladder is inflated, each bladder hole is substantially aligned with the position of each heat source on one or more PCB assemblies.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder include a cooperating fastening device that includes a fastening hole associated with the bladder, the fastening hole being configured to engage with a hook included in one or more PCB assemblies during the manufacture of the bladder.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bladder securing hole extends through the bladder. Alternatively, the bladder securing hole may be formed in a tab attached (e.g., welded) to the bladder.

[0024] In an embodiment, the capsule is made of one or more of a flexible material (i.e., a material with flexible properties), a plastic material, and a transparent material.

[0025] In one embodiment, one or more forced air sources include a blower. In one embodiment, the blower is located inside the bladder, wherein the bladder seals around the inlet of the blower. In an alternative embodiment, the blower is mounted outside the bladder, and the bladder seals around the outlet of the blower.

[0026] In an embodiment, when the bladder includes a blower located within the bladder, the bladder is formed of a material including one or more open ends that are sealed to form sealed bladder ends (e.g., using heat sealing and / or laser welding), wherein one or more of the bladder ends include at least one inlet hole to receive incoming airflow from the blower.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inlet orifice is equal to or larger than the side profile dimension of the blower, so that the blower can be physically manipulated and removed through the inlet orifice after the seal between the bladder and the blower inlet is released.

[0028] In an embodiment, the blower further includes one or more of the following components: an assembled filter at the blower inlet; and a gasket made of perforated foam (when the blower is inside the bladder), which seals the bladder and the blower inlet. While the filter helps prevent debris from entering the bladder, the airflow into the bladder may vary when debris obstructs the airflow. However, in cases where debris collection by the blower filter causes variations in the inflow airflow into the bladder, the relative size of the bladder's cross-sectional area compared to the total area of ​​the orifices preferably mitigates variations in the outflow airflow through the orifices.

[0029] In embodiments, the bladder is shaped and / or configured to provide cooling for a single PCB assembly or for two or more PCB assemblies (e.g., multiple battery stacks).

[0030] In one embodiment, the sac is constructed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sac is substantially uniform along its length and / or across its width. In another embodiment, the sac is constructed having a non-uniform cross-sectional area along its length and / or width.

[0031] In the embodiments, the cross-sectional dimensions of the bladder when inflated are substantially circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or have a substantially folded bellows shape, although other cross-sectional shapes are also possible.

[0032] In embodiments, the shape of each pore includes one or more of substantially circular, square, elliptical, rectangular, and star-shaped. In one embodiment, the shape of each pore varies depending on the specific type of airflow required by the independent heat source (e.g., star-shaped pores produce a more turbulent airflow compared to circular pores).

[0033] In the embodiments, the size of each pore varies according to the specific airflow and / or airflow velocity required by the independent heat source (e.g., a larger pore area results in a reduced flow velocity compared to the flow velocity through a smaller pore area).

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides one or more PCB assemblies including means for cooling one or more independent heat sources disposed on the one or more PCB assemblies, the means being constructed according to any one or more of the foregoing statements.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a battery cell stack comprising one or more PCB components constructed according to any one or more of the foregoing statements.

[0036] In another aspect, the present invention provides a battery storage system comprising a plurality of battery cell stacks, each battery cell stack being constructed according to any one or more of the foregoing statements. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The features of this disclosure are shown by way of example and are not limited to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, with some hidden features shown in dashed lines. The apparatus includes a bladder for cooling independent heat sources on multiple printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged view of a single PCB assembly, and further enlarged view of individual heat sources on the PCB assembly and holes in the bladder, the holes in the bladder being aligned with each individual heat source and providing independent airflow to each individual heat source;

[0040] Figure 3 The following diagram illustrates the inflatable bladder according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1An end view of the device, wherein the bladder associated with the device is fastened to the PCB assembly using rivets and associated spacers to allow a spaced distance to be maintained between the bladder and the PCB assembly.

[0041] Figure 4A Different views of an alternative embodiment are shown, in which the PCB assembly includes a hook, and the airbag shown in a deflated state includes fastening holes for engaging with the hook, wherein each fastening hole extends through a tab associated with the airbag.

[0042] Figure 4B A different view of another alternative embodiment is shown, in which the PCB assembly includes a hook, and the airbag shown in a deflated state includes fastening holes for engaging with the hook, wherein each fastening hole extends through the airbag;

[0043] Figure 5 Different views of a blower according to an embodiment are shown, wherein the blower is located inside a bladder, which is again shown in a deflated state and sealed around the blower inlet. The blower also includes a gasket configured to function as a filter and a seal between the bladder and the blower inlet.

[0044] Figure 6 A top view of a cooling device according to an embodiment is shown, wherein the cooling device is configured to provide cooling to two PCB assemblies associated with two battery stacks. Detailed Implementation

[0045] For purposes of simplicity and illustration, this disclosure is described with reference to (a number of) embodiments thereof. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent that this disclosure may be practiced without being limited to these particular details. In other instances, certain features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the invention includes a device (10) for cooling one or more independent heat sources (20) (e.g., heat-generating components including transistors such as MOSFETs), the heat sources being arranged at locations on one or more PCB assemblies (30). Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the device (10) includes a deflated bladder (40) having a plurality of holes (50) extending through its underside, the holes being substantially aligned with the location of each individual heat source (20) and providing it with an independent airflow. Thus, when the bladder (40) is inflated, air will flow out through the holes and provide directional forced convection cooling to each individual heat source (20).

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the air within the bladder (40) is derived from one or more blowers (60), which cause the air to be directed to inflate the bladder (40) and thus generate an airflow into the bladder (40) that flows out through a plurality of orifices (50). The bladder (40) has an overall size such that when the bladder is fastened to the PCB assembly (or alternative support), the device (10) is substantially aligned with the heat source (20). Thus, the bladder (40) extends over the PCB assembly (30) where the heat source (20) is located and allows substantially uniform cooling airflow through each orifice (50), thereby cooling each heat source (20) at a substantially uniform air temperature. This is achieved at least in part by the overall size of the bladder (40), which compensates for any airflow variations with respect to variations in the incoming airflow into the bladder (40).

[0048] It should be understood that when an airbag (40) made of a basic flexible material (such as plastic) is used, and a blower (60) is used as a source of cooling air in the manner described above, changes in airflow may occur because the use of the blower (60) forces air into a confined space. For example, changes in the airflow flowing into the airbag (40) may be caused by the following: back pressure when the airbag (40) is fully inflated, possible leakage that requires more air to be forced into the airbag (40) for re-inflation, voltage fluctuations, debris accumulating on the air filter inlet (170), etc.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing airflow to each individual heat source in a manner that achieves substantially uniform cooling, the heat-generating components of the PCB assembly (30) will be cooled independently and in a consistent manner, regardless of the position of the components on the PCB assembly (30) and / or the position of the air source (60). Furthermore, since the bladder (40) can be made of inexpensive materials (e.g., plastic) and manufactured in an efficient and inexpensive manner (e.g., by sealing the open ends of the plastic tube forming the bladder using heat sealing and / or laser welding), this cooling is achieved without incurring significant costs, complexity, and weight.

[0050] As described in more detail below, based on one or more bladder fixing points on the PCB assembly (30) used as reference points, the hole (50) can be easily configured to be substantially aligned with the heat source (20) associated with the PCB assembly (30).

[0051] It should be understood that after the bladder (40) is inflated, the bladder will have a nominal cross-sectional area at the locations of the plurality of holes (50), which is sufficiently large compared to the total area of ​​the holes (50) to achieve a substantially uniform airflow through the holes (50) having substantially similar dimensions, even if there are variations in the airflow entering the bladder (40). In this respect, it should be understood that the cross-sectional area of ​​the bladder (40) can vary depending on the shape of the bladder.

[0052] For example, if the capsule is square / rectangular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the capsule along its length and / or width will be substantially uniform. However, when the capsule (40) includes a circular cross-section, for example, it should be understood that the capsule (40) may have a non-uniform cross-sectional area along its length and / or width. This also applies to other cross-sectional shapes, including, for example, when the capsule tapers gradually along its length and / or width. Assuming that the holes (50) can be formed in appropriate locations on the surface of the capsule (40) facing the PCB assembly (30) to allow air to flow through the multiple holes (50) to individual heat sources (20), any suitable capsule shape and / or size can be adopted.

[0053] For example, the bladder (40) may include a substantially circular cross-sectional dimension when inflated. In alternative embodiments, the bladder (40) may include other cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or folded bellows shapes.

[0054] It should also be understood that, where the shape / size of a particular bladder makes airflow through the bladder insufficient using a single air source, more than one forced air source (e.g., two or more blowers) may be used.

[0055] It should also be understood that the shape of the orifice (50) may vary depending on the specific application of the device (10), and the shape of the individual orifices associated with a single bladder may also vary. For example, the bladder orifice (50) may include one or more of circular, elliptical, rectangular, and star-shaped orifices. The shape of each orifice (50) may also vary depending on the specific type of airflow required by the individual heat source (20), with larger orifice areas resulting in lower flow rates compared to flow rates through smaller area orifices. It is also advantageous to provide some heat sources (20) with more turbulent airflow compared to other heat sources, and providing orifices of a particular shape can promote more turbulent airflow, including, for example, star-shaped orifices (not shown), which will produce more turbulent airflow compared to circular orifices.

[0056] It should be understood that the nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the bladder (40) at the locations of the plurality of holes (50) is assumed to be sufficiently large compared to the total area of ​​the holes (50) so that a substantially uniform airflow through the holes (50) having substantially similar sizes can be achieved even if there are variations in the airflow entering the bladder (40). Thus, any bladder and / or hole size and shape can be selected to suit any particular application. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder (40) is approximately three times the total area of ​​the holes (50) formed in the bladder (40). However, the invention is not limited to using a bladder with a nominal cross-sectional area approximately three times the total area of ​​the holes (50). For example, the cross-sectional area may be less than three times (e.g., twice) or greater than three times (e.g., four or five times) the total area of ​​the holes (50), depending on factors such as constraints on the size / shape of the bladder, the number / power of the blowers used, etc.

[0057] The bladder (40) shown in the attached figure is directly fastened to the PCB assembly (30) in such a manner as... Figure 3 As most clearly shown, the bladder (40) is suspended on the PCB assembly (30) when inflated, with the heat source (20) located on the PCB assembly (30). However, as stated above, the bladder (40) does not need to be directly fastened to the PCB assembly (30) because the bladder (40) can be suspended on the PCB assembly (30) by means of support and / or fastening in an alternative configuration. In other words, the bladder (40) needs to be aligned with the PCB assembly (12), but does not need to be directly fastened to it. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This illustrates how a bladder (40) according to another embodiment of the invention can be secured to a PCB assembly (30).

[0058] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more fasteners are tree-shaped (also known as embedded) rivets (70), each rivet including a head (80) disposed inside a pouch (40) and a shank (90) extending through a coaxial fastening hole (100), the coaxial fastening hole extending alignably through each of the pouch (40) and the PCB assembly (12), as shown. Figure 3 The most clearly shown is the one shown above. In this embodiment, the bar (90) includes outwardly extending barbs; however, any fastening device suitable for engaging the rivet with a hole in the PCB assembly can be used.

[0059] Figure 3The use of a spacer (110) arranged between the fastener head (80) and the PCB assembly (30) is also clearly shown. The height of the spacer (110) allows the bladder (40) to hover a certain distance above the PCB assembly (30), and it should be understood that, in this embodiment, the height of the bladder (40) relative to the PCB assembly (30) substantially corresponds to the height of the spacer (110). However, as will become apparent, without the use of rivets or spacers for direct fastening, the spacing between the bladder (40) and the PCB assembly (30) can be achieved such that the inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to hover a distance relative to the PCB assembly.

[0060] The coaxial fastening hole (100) associated with the bladder (40) and the PCB assembly (30) includes a hole formed in the bladder (40) for receiving the shank (90) of a rivet (70). It should be understood that such a rivet may be pre-assembled with the bladder (40). Furthermore, the formation of the bladder hole (50) during the manufacture of the bladder (40) may include the formation of the fastening hole (100), through which a rivet or other fastening device (70) is configured to extend.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the formation of the bladder holes (50) and bladder fastening holes (100) is achieved using a reference method. This involves aligning the fastening holes (100) associated with the bladder (40) with bladder fixing points on the PCB assembly (12) (i.e., fastening holes (100) extending through the PCB assembly (12)). In this way, the fastening holes (100) serve as reference points to determine the position of each bladder hole (50). This ensures that after the bladder (40) is inflated, each bladder hole (50) is substantially aligned with the position of each heat source (20) on the PCB assembly (30).

[0062] exist Figure 4A In the alternative embodiment shown, an assembled bladder (40) and PCB assembly (30) (and below, the PCB assembly (30) and bladder (40) as separate components) are illustrated. It will be understood that the PCB assembly (30) and bladder (40) include cooperating fastening devices. The cooperating fastening devices include: tabs (120) associated with the bladder (140), each tab including a bladder fastening hole (130); and correspondingly positioned hooks (140) associated with the PCB assembly (30).

[0063] exist Figure 4B In another alternative embodiment shown, the assembled capsule (40) and PCB assembly (30) are again illustrated, as well as the PCB assembly (30) shown below as a separate component. In this embodiment, it will be understood that the PCB assembly (30) includes components related to... Figure 4A The embodiment shown uses the same hook (140). However, the pouch (40) no longer includes a tab (120), but instead includes a hook (140) similar to the one shown.Figure 4B The bladder (40) is associated with a fastening hole (150) that extends through the bladder (40), which is similar to a hole (50) through which air flows out to cool the heat source (20).

[0064] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the two embodiments shown, the PCB hook (140) (which can be positioned to the edge of the PCB assembly (30)) can pass through the fastening holes (130 / 150) in the pouch (40) to retain the pouch (40). Figure 4A As shown in the end view, a fastening hole (130) associated with the tab (120) is configured to be placed on the hook (140) for engagement with it, and in the illustrated embodiment, the tab (120) is actually a plastic flap extending outward from the surface edge of the bladder (40), the use of which provides a means of spaced out between the bladder (40) and the PCB assembly (30). Figure 4B As shown in the end view, with the fastening hole (130) extending through the bladder (40), the fastener is not used to provide a spaced distance between the bladder (40) and the PCB assembly (30). However, it is understood that after the bladder (40) is inflated, the area of ​​the receiving hole (50) of the bladder (40) will likely have sufficient lift to rise a short distance above the PCB assembly (30).

[0065] Therefore, it should be understood that Figure 4A and Figure 4B The embodiment shown illustrates how a bladder (40) can be attached to a PCB assembly (30) without using any fasteners such as rivets (70), while still ensuring that the bladder is spaced a certain distance from the surface of the PCB assembly when inflated. Although by Figure 4B Some leakage may occur through the orifice (150), but it is conceivable that such leakage will be negligible relative to the total mass flow rate of the system.

[0066] The forced air source entering the bladder (40) may include one or more blowers (60), and in the embodiment shown in the figure, a single blower (60) is used. However, it should be understood that multiple blowers may be used if desired. It should also be understood that the blower (60) may be mounted to the bladder (40) such that the blower (60) is located inside the bladder (40) (e.g., Figure 5 (as shown), or located outside the bladder (40) (not shown). In either configuration, the blower (60) will be attached to the bladder (40) in a sealed configuration to prevent or at least minimize air leakage through the bladder inlet orifice (160).

[0067] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the blower (60) is located inside the bladder (40), which includes an inlet hole (160) that is at least equal to or larger than the side profile dimension of the blower (60) to allow the blower (60) to be laterally rotated and inserted through the inlet hole (160) during assembly of the device (10). With the inlet hole (60) having dimensions as described in detail, it will be understood that if the blower (60) needs to be removed for any reason (including, for example, repair or replacement), the blower (60) can be laterally rotated and removed through the inlet hole (160) after the seal between the bladder (40) and the blower (60) is released.

[0068] Figure 5 Also shown is a debris guard (170), located outside the bladder (40) at the inlet of the blower (60) housed inside the bladder (40). A filter to prevent debris (particles) from entering the blower (60) may form part of the debris guard (170), or may be such as Figure 5 The filter gasket (180) shown is a separate component.

[0069] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the specific configuration shown, a filter gasket (180) disposed inside the bladder (40) extends between the inlet of the blower (60) and the edge of the defined inlet orifice (160) of the bladder (40), thus acting not only as a filter but also as a seal by sealing the inlet of the bladder (40) and the blower (60). This gasket (180) may be made of open-cell foam or a similar filter material. In other words, by clamping the blower (60) and the debris guard (170) with the filter gasket (180) between them, the compressed foam material associated with the gasket (180) provides an effective seal while also providing the necessary filtration of particles and any other impurities that could interrupt the operation of the blower (60) or cause other problems, such as changes in the inlet airflow into the bladder (40).

[0070] If a filter gasket is used to prevent fine particles from entering the blower (60), the debris guard (170) may include a coarse filter to prevent larger particles and debris from entering through the orifice (160). It should be understood that the filter element used in conjunction with the blower (60) may be constructed differently from those shown and described herein, and other variations are also possible.

[0071] When particles are captured by the debris guard (170) and / or the filter gasket (180), the relative size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the bladder (40) compared to the total area of ​​the orifices (50) is such that the change in airflow into the bladder caused by such debris will be compensated by the relative size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the bladder (40) compared to the total area of ​​the orifices (50). This represents an example of how the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder (40) improves the change in incoming airflow.

[0072] Figure 6 Two PCB assemblies (30) are shown, configured for use with an energy storage system comprising two energy storage battery cells (190). Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, a single bladder (40) is used to provide directional forced convection cooling to each individual heat source (20) associated with each PCB assembly (30). In this respect, the bladder (40) includes openings on opposite sides of the bladder, rather than including openings only on the lower side as previously described. The bladder (40) has the overall dimensions and position to align the device (10) with the heat source (20) such that the single bladder (40) extends over both PCB assemblies (30) where the heat source (20) is located.

[0073] Understandably, other changes are also possible, such as... Figure 1 The embodiments shown use a single capsule (40) to accommodate more than two PCB assemblies (30). In another example, a capsule with a circular cross-section can be used to provide cooling for four PCB assemblies (30) arranged in a square around the capsule, thereby serving four energy storage battery cells. The same circular cross-section configuration can also be used when three PCB assemblies (12) are arranged in a triangular configuration around the capsule. It is understood that the capsule (40) can be manufactured in various different shapes and sizes to accommodate various PCB assembly configurations and heat source arrangements.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and / or modifications can be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0075] Throughout the specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” and “containing” shall be understood to mean including the said feature or step, or a group of features or steps, but not excluding any other feature or step, or a group of features or steps. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. An apparatus for cooling one or more independent heat sources located at a position on one or more printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, the apparatus comprising: The bladder includes a plurality of holes positioned substantially aligned with the location of each individual heat source and providing an independent airflow to the location of each individual heat source, thereby providing directional forced convection cooling to each individual heat source; One or more forced air sources are directed to inflate the bladder, thereby generating an airflow into the bladder, which exits through the plurality of orifices; The overall dimensions of the bladder are such that, when the bladder is fastened in an arrangement that substantially aligns the opening with the heat source, the bladder, after inflation, extends over the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located; and The inflatable bladder makes the cooling airflow through each hole substantially uniform by compensating for any airflow variations with respect to the incoming airflow into the bladder, and achieves substantially uniform cooling due to the uniform air temperature of the airflow exiting through the individual holes. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling airflow flowing out through each bladder orifice to the corresponding heat source is achieved by a bladder having a nominal cross-sectional area at the locations of the plurality of orifices, the nominal cross-sectional area being sufficiently large compared to the total area of ​​the orifices, so that even if there are variations in the airflow entering the bladder, a substantially uniform airflow through orifices having substantially similar dimensions can be achieved. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder is: Two or more times the total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder, or The total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder is approximately three times that of the pores. 4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in: After being secured and inflated, the inflation of the bladder causes it to hover over the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located, or The bladder is secured to the one or more PCB assemblies by means of one or more fasteners, which allow a distance to be maintained between the one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder after it is inflated. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more fasteners are rivets, each rivet comprising a head disposed within the bladder and a shank extending through a coaxial fastening hole associated with the bladder and the one or more PCB assemblies. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more fasteners further comprises a spacer disposed between the fastener head and the one or more PCB assemblies, and the height of the spacer is such that the bladder can hover over the one or more PCB assemblies at a distance substantially corresponding to the height of the spacer. 7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the sac opening is formed during the manufacture of the sac, and the manufacture of the sac further includes the formation of the fastening hole, wherein a rivet is configured to extend through the fastening hole. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the formation of the bladder holes and fastening holes is achieved using a reference method, wherein the fastening holes aligned with bladder fixing points on the one or more PCB assemblies are used as reference points to determine the position of each bladder hole, thereby ensuring that after the bladder is inflated, each bladder hole is substantially aligned with the position of each heat source on the one or more PCB assemblies. 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder include cooperating fastening devices, the fastening devices including fastening holes associated with the bladder, the fastening holes associated with the bladder being configured to engage with hooks included in the one or more PCB assemblies during the manufacture of the bladder. 10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule comprises one or more of the following: Materials with flexible properties; Plastic materials; and Transparent material. 11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more forced air sources comprise a blower, wherein: The blower is located within the bladder, and the bladder is sealed around the inlet of the blower; or The blower is mounted outside the bladder, and the bladder is sealed around the outlet of the blower. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein when the bladder includes a blower located within the bladder, the bladder is formed of a material including one or more open ends sealed to form sealed bladder ends, wherein one or more of the bladder ends include at least one inlet hole to receive an incoming airflow from the blower, and the inlet hole is equal to or larger than the side profile dimension of the blower, such that after the seal between the bladder and the blower inlet is released, the blower can be physically manipulated and removed through the inlet hole. 13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the blower further comprises one or more of the following components: An assembled filter at the inlet of the blower is provided to substantially prevent debris from entering the bladder; and An open-cell foam gasket is used to seal the inlet of the bladder and the blower when the blower is located inside the bladder. 14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bladder is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the bladder is substantially uniform along the length of the bladder and / or across the width of the bladder. 15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the capsule is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the capsule is substantially non-uniform along the length and / or width of the capsule. 16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of the bladder when inflated are substantially: Circular; square; rectangle; Oval; or It is basically constructed as a folded bellows. 17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of each pore varies according to a specific type of airflow required by an independent heat source, wherein the shape of the pore includes substantially any one or more of the following: Circular; square; rectangle; Oval; or Star-shaped. 18. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of each pore varies according to a specific airflow rate and / or airflow velocity required by an independent heat source. 19. One or more PCB assemblies, including means for cooling one or more independent heat sources disposed on the one or more PCB assemblies, the means being constructed according to any one of the preceding claims. 20. A battery cell stack comprising one or more PCB assemblies constructed according to claim 19. 21. A battery storage system comprising a plurality of battery cell stacks, each battery cell stack being constructed according to claim 20.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cooling one or more independent heat sources located at a position on one or more printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, the apparatus comprising: The bladder includes a plurality of holes positioned substantially aligned with the location of each individual heat source and providing an independent airflow to the location of each individual heat source, thereby providing directional forced convection cooling to each individual heat source; One or more forced air sources are directed to inflate the bladder, thereby generating an airflow into the bladder, which exits through the plurality of orifices; The overall dimensions of the bladder are such that, when the bladder is fastened in an arrangement that substantially aligns the opening with the heat source, the bladder, after inflation, extends over the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located; and The inflatable bladder makes the cooling airflow through each hole substantially uniform by compensating for any airflow variations with respect to the incoming airflow into the bladder, and achieves substantially uniform cooling due to the uniform air temperature of the airflow exiting through the individual holes.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Cooling airflow flowing out through each pore to the corresponding heat source is achieved by a pore having a nominal cross-sectional area at the locations of the plurality of pores, the nominal cross-sectional area being sufficiently large compared to the total area of ​​the pores, so that even if there are variations in the airflow entering the pore, a substantially uniform airflow can be achieved through pores of substantially similar size.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The nominal cross-sectional area of ​​the inflatable bladder is: Two or more times the total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder, or The total area of ​​the pores formed in the bladder is approximately three times that of the pores.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in: After being secured and inflated, the inflation of the bladder causes it to hover over the one or more PCB assemblies where the heat source is located, or The bladder is secured to the one or more PCB assemblies by means of one or more fasteners, which allow a distance to be maintained between the one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder after it is inflated.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more fasteners are rivets, each rivet comprising a head disposed within the bladder and a shank extending through a coaxial fastening hole associated with the bladder and the one or more PCB assemblies.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the one or more fasteners further includes a spacer disposed between the fastener head and the one or more PCB assemblies, and the height of the spacer is such that the bladder can hover over the one or more PCB assemblies at a distance substantially corresponding to the height of the spacer.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The formation of the sac opening during the manufacturing process of the sac includes the formation of the fastening hole, with a rivet configured to extend through the fastening hole.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The formation of the bladder holes and fastening holes is achieved using a reference method, wherein the fastening holes, which are aligned with bladder fixing points on the one or more PCB assemblies, are used as reference points to determine the position of each bladder hole, thereby ensuring that after the bladder is inflated, each bladder hole is substantially aligned with the position of each heat source on the one or more PCB assemblies.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more PCB assemblies and the bladder include cooperating fastening devices, the fastening devices including fastening holes associated with the bladder, the fastening holes associated with the bladder being configured to engage with hooks included in the one or more PCB assemblies during the manufacture of the bladder.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capsule includes one or more of the following: Materials with flexible properties; Plastic materials; and Transparent material.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more forced air sources include a blower, wherein: The blower is located within the bladder, and the bladder is sealed around the inlet of the blower; or The blower is mounted outside the bladder, and the bladder is sealed around the outlet of the blower.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, When the bladder includes a blower located within the bladder, the bladder is formed of a material including one or more open ends that are sealed to form sealed bladder ends, wherein one or more of the bladder ends include at least one inlet hole to receive incoming airflow from the blower, and the inlet hole is equal to or larger than the side profile dimension of the blower, such that the blower can be physically manipulated and removed through the inlet hole after the seal between the bladder and the blower inlet is released.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The blower also includes one or more of the following components: An assembled filter at the inlet of the blower is provided to substantially prevent debris from entering the bladder; and An open-cell foam gasket is used to seal the inlet of the bladder and the blower when the blower is located inside the bladder.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capsule is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the capsule is substantially uniform along the length of the capsule and / or across the width of the capsule.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The capsule is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the capsule is substantially non-uniform along the length and / or width of the capsule.

16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cross-sectional dimensions of the bladder when inflated are approximately: Circular; square; rectangle; Oval; or It is basically constructed as a folded bellows.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The shape of each pore varies depending on the specific type of airflow required by the independent heat source, and the shape of the pore includes essentially any one or more of the following: Circular; square; rectangle; Oval; or Star-shaped.

18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The size of each pore varies depending on the specific airflow and / or air velocity required by the independent heat source.

19. One or more PCB assemblies, including means for cooling one or more independent heat sources disposed on the one or more PCB assemblies, the means being constructed according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A battery cell stack comprising one or more PCB assemblies constructed according to claim 19.

21. A battery storage system comprising a plurality of battery cell stacks, each battery cell stack being constructed according to claim 20.

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