Floating Cold Plate Spigot Seal for Multi-Axis Ingress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold plate systems in vehicles face the challenge of moisture and debris ingress through the spigot opening, potentially damaging electronic components or batteries due to the design of the spigot and cover configuration.
Innovation Solution
A floating cold plate spigot sealing system with a spigot seal that slides and seals along multiple axes, using a cover with a spigot seal that includes a lower housing and a nut to create seals between the spigot and cover, preventing ingress of moisture and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spigot extends through the cover to supply coolant to the cold plate, then coolant delivery is enabled, but moisture and debris can enter the electronic component compartment through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A spigot seal assembly acts as an intermediary component between the spigot and the cover. The seal assembly includes seals that contact both the spigot and the cover, creating a barrier that prevents moisture and debris ingress while allowing coolant flow through the spigot. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing protection without requiring direct integration of sealing functions into the cover itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into a separate spigot seal assembly rather than being integrated directly into the cover. The seal assembly is a distinct component that can be independently installed and maintained, dividing the system into functional modules: the spigot for coolant delivery, the seal assembly for protection, and the cover for structural enclosure. This segmentation enables protection without compromising the simplicity of the overall device.
2Reliability
If a seal is installed in the cover to prevent moisture ingress, then protection is improved, but the cover may deform due to compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the cover structure by introducing a dedicated spigot seal assembly. The seals are contained within this separate assembly rather than being directly embedded in the cover, which distributes compression forces away from the cover material. This segmentation allows effective sealing while preserving cover integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot seal assembly serves as an intermediary that absorbs and distributes the compression forces required to maintain seal effectiveness. The assembly includes compression members and housing structures that manage these forces, preventing them from being directly applied to the cover and causing deformation. This intermediary structure enables reliable sealing without compromising cover strength.
3Reliability
If the spigot seal slides and seals along multiple axes, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot seal assembly incorporates dynamic sliding capabilities that allow the seal to move and adapt along multiple axes. The seal members are designed to slide within the seal assembly housing, enabling them to compensate for misalignments and maintain contact with both the spigot and cover surfaces. This dynamic behavior provides multi-axis sealing effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, as the sliding action is achieved through simple guide structures and spring-loaded components.
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 seals against the spigot and cover without deforming the cover, preventing moisture and debris from entering the electronic module compartment, thus protecting components and ensuring reliable heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The first seal may be compressible between the vertical portion of the lower housing and the spigot
Implementation Method 2
The second seal may be compressible between the horizontal portion of the lower housing and the bottom surface of the cover
Implementation Method 3
the high heat load generated by the electronic component or battery is dissipated through a transfer of heat from the electronic component or battery to the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A floating cold plate spigot sealing system for a vehicle includes an electronic module, disposed within an electronic module compartment attached to a vehicle, a floating cold plate having a spigot, disposed adjacent to the electronic module, and a cover having a coolant opening, disposed adjacent to the electronic module, a spigot seal disposed in the coolant opening. The spigot extends through the spigot seal, which includes a lower housing having at least one seal, and a nut that is engageable with the lower housing to form a seal between the spigot seal and the spigot. The at least one seal includes a first seal disposed between an inner surface of the vertical portion of the lower housing and the outer surface of the spigot, and a second seal disposed between the bottom surface of the cover and a bottom surface of the horizontal portion of the lower housing.