Electric Compressor Inverter Venting for Gel Expansion Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverter-integrated electric compressors face issues with thermal expansion of gel materials used for vibration and moisture protection, leading to increased internal pressure and potential damage to components due to the inability to effectively release water vapor and pressure while preventing external water ingress.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vent valve with a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane on the cover member to allow the release of internal pressure and water vapor while preventing external water entry, and ensuring a sufficient air layer within the gel material to prevent adhesion and pressure on the cover member during thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel material is filled in the inverter accommodating section for vibration and moisture protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but internal pressure increases due to thermal expansion causing seal breakage and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous waterproof breathable membrane that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. This membrane is integrated into the vent valve assembly, enabling the system to release internal pressure from thermal expansion of gel material and air, while simultaneously preventing water ingress. The porous structure resolves the contradiction by providing selective permeability that addresses both pressure relief and protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve with waterproof breathable membrane acts as an intermediary component between the sealed inverter accommodating section and the external environment. It mediates the conflicting requirements by allowing controlled passage of water vapor for pressure equalization while blocking liquid water to maintain protection. This intermediary element enables simultaneous achievement of pressure relief and continued protection effectiveness.
2Stress or pressure
If a typical vent port is provided to release inner pressure, then pressure release is improved, but water protection is worsened due to difficulty in preventing water entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the typical open vent port with a vent valve incorporating a waterproof breathable membrane. This membrane's porous structure allows water vapor molecules to pass through while blocking larger liquid water droplets. The vent valve thus achieves effective pressure release by allowing vapor escape while simultaneously preventing water ingress, resolving the contradiction between pressure relief and water protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof breathable membrane functions as a flexible thin film that selectively permits vapor transmission while blocking liquid water. This thin film technology enables the vent valve to maintain pressure equalization functionality while providing effective water protection, overcoming the limitation of typical rigid vent ports that cannot prevent water entry.
3Reliability
If gel material is enclosed to cover electrical equipments, then vibration and moisture protection are improved, but seal breakage risk increases due to thermal expansion stress
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof breathable membrane in the vent valve provides a controlled release mechanism for thermal expansion pressure. By allowing water vapor to escape through the porous membrane, the system prevents pressure buildup that would otherwise stress and potentially break the seal between the inverter accommodating section and cover member. This maintains seal integrity while preserving protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve with waterproof breathable membrane provides beforehand cushioning by preemptively releasing thermal expansion pressure before it can accumulate to dangerous levels. This preventive pressure management protects the seal and cover member from stress-induced failure, ensuring continued structural integrity and protection effectiveness throughout thermal cycling.
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 solution enhances the reliability of the inverter-integrated electric compressor by maintaining the protective functions of the gel material while preventing seal breakage and component damage from thermal expansion, allowing for efficient pressure and moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
a vent valve formed of a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane is provided in the cover member
Implementation Method 2
a vent valve formed of a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane is provided in the cover member
Implementation Method 3
an inverter-integrated electric compressor that is integrated with an inverter device suitable for use as an air conditioning compressor installed in a vehicle
Implementation Method 4
a gel material for vibration prevention and moisture prevention is filled in the upper section
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter-integrated electric compressor that is capable of solving various problems caused by thermal expansion of a gel material filled inside an inverter accommodating section for vibration prevention and moisture prevention and capable of increasing reliability is provided. In the inverter-integrated electric compressor, an inverter accommodating section (11) is integrated with a periphery of a housing (2) accommodating an electric compressor; an inverter device (20) is accommodated inside the inverter accommodating section; a gel material (30) for vibration prevention and moisture prevention is filled in the upper section thereof so as to leave an air layer (31); an upper opening in the inverter accommodating section is sealed with a cover member (18); and a vent valve (40) formed of a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane (42) is provided in the cover member.