Converter Cooling Channel Spring Support for Heat Sink Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converters face issues with mechanical deformation of heat sinks due to force-fitting connections, which reduces the contact surface for heat transfer and can lead to inefficient waste heat dissipation from power modules.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spring-like projection element within the cooling channel that applies a restoring force to the heat sink, increasing and uniformizing the contact surface between the power module and heat sink, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a force-fitting connection is used to connect the housing to the heat sink, then the heat sink is securely fixed, but the heat sink deforms and the contact surface between the power module and heat sink is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring element that changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid force-fitting to elastic compression. The spring element applies a controlled compressive force to the heat sink, maintaining secure fixation while preventing deformation that would reduce the contact surface area between the power module and heat sink.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the housing and the heat sink. Instead of directly transmitting the force-fitting connection to the heat sink, the spring element mediates the force application, providing secure fixation while cushioning against excessive compression that would cause deformation and reduce the contact surface.
2Productivity
If the contact surface between power module and heat sink is reduced, then the heat transfer efficiency decreases, but the structural simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element modifies the mechanical parameter of the connection system, transforming it from a rigid force-fitting connection to an elastic compression connection. This parameter change allows the system to maintain a large, uniform contact surface between the power module and heat sink, thereby preserving high heat transfer efficiency while adding only a single spring component to the structure.
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 maintains a larger, uniform contact surface, improving waste heat dissipation and reducing thermal resistance, allowing for better cooling and potentially increasing electrical power and extending the converter's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an inner wall portion of the cooling channel has a spring-like projection element... wherein the projection element acts with a restoring force against the pressure surface of the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
the power module and the heat sink are thermally operatively connected to one another... such that the power module can give off waste heat to the coolant via the heat sink
Implementation Method 3
a coolant flowing through the cooling channel can be supplied to the heat sink... such that the power module can give off waste heat to the coolant via the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A converter for converting a fed type of current into another includes at least one power module and at least one cooling body, and has improved transfer of waste heat from the power module to the coolant. The cooling body is at least partially inserted into a cooling channel so that a coolant flowing through the cooling channel can be supplied to the cooling body at least in portions and so that the power module can give off waste heat to the coolant via the cooling body. An inner wall section of the cooling channel situated opposite a pressure area of the cooling body has a spring-like projection element. The projection element acts with a restoring force against the pressure area of the cooling body so that a contact area of the power module and cooling body is increased.