Electronic Component Casing with Inclined Step for Turbulent Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic component casing designs, such as those described in the Toyota Prius New Model Guide, suffer from inefficient heat radiation due to the accumulation of heat generated by electronic components like inverters, which impairs the heat dissipation process.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component casing features an inclined portion that increases in height, a step portion, and a planar portion, with a greater height difference between the step portions to facilitate turbulent airflow, enhancing heat transfer and radiation by creating a larger surface area for heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the casing upper surface increases in height gradually rearward and then decreases, then the casing achieves a streamlined shape for aerodynamic performance, but heat radiation efficiency deteriorates due to laminar airflow along the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing streamline shapeVSAvoidheat radiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces asymmetric step portions at specific locations on the casing upper surface, creating an asymmetric flow disturbance pattern that converts laminar flow to turbulent flow, thereby improving heat radiation while maintaining the overall streamlined shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent by introducing step portions with specific height and positioning, which alters the boundary layer characteristics and enhances convective heat transfer coefficients on the casing surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the casing is designed with gradual height changes, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation performance worsens due to accumulated heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidheat accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the casing upper surface into multiple levels using step portions, creating distinct zones that promote turbulent flow and enhance heat dissipation while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds vertical dimensionality variations through step portions of different heights, creating multi-level surfaces that enhance heat transfer without significantly complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively improves heat radiation efficiency by converting laminar airflow into turbulent flow, promoting heat transfer and reducing temperature increases near the electronic component, thereby extending its lifespan and improving performance while reducing the casing size.

Implementation Method 1

converting laminar airflow into turbulent flow, promoting heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow to turbulent flow transition: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

heat radiation efficiency by converting laminar airflow into turbulent flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2574158B1Electronic component casing
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2574158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2574158B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP2574158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic component casing includes: an inclined portion that projects from an upper surface so as to increase in height gradually from one side; a step portion that descends as a continuation of an upper end of the inclined portion or descends via a plane connected to the upper end; and a planar portion connected to a lower end of the step portion.