Controller Assembly with Heat Dissipating Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot controllers face challenges in miniaturization, heat dissipation, and installation flexibility, particularly when multiple controllers are needed in a limited space, and they struggle with efficient cooling and protection from environmental factors like dust and liquids.
Innovation Solution
A controller assembly with multiple units connected via a heat dissipating unit featuring protrusions for enhanced heat dissipation, detachable connectors for easy maintenance, and a dust-proof/drip-proof design, allowing for compact installation and efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual controllers are installed within a limited space, then control capability is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple controller units into a single integrated controller assembly, where multiple controller units are arranged in a stacked configuration within one housing. This merging approach allows multiple control functions to coexist in a compact space while sharing common heat dissipation structures, thereby improving space efficiency and heat dissipation performance compared to installing separate controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of controller units in the third dimension (height direction) to accommodate multiple controllers within a limited footprint. By arranging controller units in the vertical direction rather than spreading them horizontally, the design achieves multi-functionality while maintaining compact horizontal space and enabling centralized heat dissipation management.
2Area of stationary object
If controller units are arranged in close proximity, then space efficiency is improved, but heat generation from electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat dissipation fins as intermediary structures between the controller units and the external environment. These fins serve as a mediator that facilitates heat transfer from the electronic components inside the controller units to the surrounding air, enabling close arrangement of multiple controllers while effectively managing the heat generated by their electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs heat dissipation fins that increase the surface area available for thermal exchange with the environment. By expanding the effective heat dissipation surface through the fin structures, the system can manage thermal load from closely arranged controller units without requiring excessive spacing between them.
3Temperature
If a large scale main body housing is used, then heat dissipation is improved, but miniaturization and space saving become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing into multiple compartments, each accommodating a controller unit, with heat dissipation fins strategically positioned between and around these segments. This segmentation allows the overall assembly to maintain a compact form factor while providing adequate heat dissipation pathways for each individual controller unit, avoiding the need for a single large housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges controller units in a nested or stacked configuration within the housing, with heat dissipation fins interposed between them. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of internal space, allowing multiple controller units to be accommodated in a compact volume while maintaining effective heat dissipation surfaces for each unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If controllers are installed away from power distribution board, then installation flexibility is improved, but cable length and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the controller assembly with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed in various locations, including near actuators away from the power distribution board. The integrated power supply and control signal interfaces within the assembly enable it to function autonomously at distributed locations, providing installation flexibility while maintaining electrical efficiency through reduced cable lengths.
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 solution enables efficient heat dissipation, compact size, and easy maintenance, addressing the challenges of miniaturization, cooling efficiency, and environmental protection, while allowing multiple controllers to be closely arranged without increasing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipating unit interposed between the controller units, wherein the heat dissipating unit includes a plurality of heat dissipating protrusions configured to dissipate heat that is generated by heat generating sources of the controller units, to the exterior
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipating protrusions configured to dissipate heat that is generated by heat generating sources of the controller units, to the exterior
Data Source
AI summary
A controller assembly includes a plurality of controller units, and a heat dissipating unit interposed between the controller units. Male and female connectors are disposed in the controller units, and the connectors thereof are fitted to female and male connectors of the heat dissipating unit to thereby establish electrical contact therebetween. Upon driving electric actuators, heat generated in circuit boards of the controller units is dissipated to the exterior through a plurality of heat dissipating protrusions provided on the heat dissipating unit, so that heat generating sources of the circuit boards are cooled.