Converter Base Plate Assembly for Cooling and Cable Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical device arrangements face challenges in achieving a cost-effective, compact design that efficiently dissipates heat and provides secure component mounting and shielding while allowing for versatile adapter connections.

Innovation Solution

A base plate is attached to the heat sink, serving as both a heat conductor and a multifunctional component holder, connected to adapter plates and acting as an electrical shield, with screw attachments for secure and strain-relief cable management, and featuring angled designs for enhanced heat dissipation and modular compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for heat dissipation, component mounting, and cable management, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as a heat dissipation element (with integrated heat sink), a mounting structure for components and cables, and an electrical ground reference. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat sinks, mounting brackets, and ground connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously performs thermal management, mechanical support, and electrical grounding functions. The integrated heat sink provides thermal dissipation, while the base plate structure offers mounting surfaces for components and cable management features, all while serving as an electrical ground reference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact design is implemented to reduce device size, then space efficiency improves, but heat dissipation capability and component mounting options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat sink is integrated directly into the base plate structure, with heat dissipation fins extending from the mounting surface. This nesting approach allows the heat dissipation function to be embedded within the existing base plate volume, achieving effective thermal management without increasing the overall device footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat sink utilizes vertical space with extended fins that protrude from the base plate surface, transitioning from a two-dimensional mounting surface to a three-dimensional heat dissipation structure. This dimensional transition increases the heat dissipation surface area without significantly increasing the device's horizontal footprint

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapter plates are made detachable for versatility, then adaptability improves, but connection reliability and stability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter compatibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plates incorporate pre-formed connection elements such as integrated screw holes, mounting lugs, and alignment features that are built into the plate structure during manufacturing. These preliminary prepared connection points ensure that when components are attached, they achieve reliable and stable connections without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables efficient heat dissipation, secure component attachment, and reduced interference for signal cables, while allowing for various adapter configurations, thus achieving a cost-effective and compact electrical device design.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical device (1) generates waste heat and that this can be dissipated to the environment via a heat sink (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

waste heat from controllable semiconductor switches of the electrical device (1) or from the rectifier (60) is supplied to the heat sink (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the base plate (2) is electrically connected to the metallic heat sink (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the base plate (2) is electrically connected to the reference potential of an electronic circuit of the electrical device (1), in particular the reference potential is electrically earth and/or is connected to the protective conductor of the electrical device (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4049517B1Arrangement with electrical device, in particular converter or inverter, and component
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4049517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4049517B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4049517B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement with an electrical appliance, in particular converter or inverter, and a component, the electrical appliance having a heat sink, a base plate being fastened to the heat sink and the component being connected to a first or second adapter plate that is fastened to the base plate, in particular the base plate is pressed against the heat sink by the screw head of a screw screwed into a threaded hole of the heat sink.