Rolling Stock Power Converter Sealing and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power converters for rolling stock face challenges in maintaining a stable gasket compression and ensuring drip-proof integrity due to variable tightening torque, leading to potential deformation and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates securing holders with adjustable protrusion lengths and necked screws, allowing for precise gasket compression without relying on torque adjustment, along with a sealing gasket arrangement that ensures reliable sealing and mechanical strength without additional sealing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat pipe of zigzag thin pipe is directly connected to cool electric components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive heat pipe with a simpler, cheaper cooling structure that uses a cooling fan and heat radiating fins. This alternative cooling solution achieves the same cooling effectiveness without the high manufacturing cost of the heat pipe, thereby resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If gaskets are compressed by adjusting tightening torque, then drip-proof state is secured, but gasket compression thickness is not stably determined and section deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the securing holder's protruding portion automatically determines the gasket compression thickness through its geometric design. The gasket is compressed between the protruding portion and the mounting section, eliminating the need for torque adjustment. This self-determining mechanism ensures stable compression thickness and prevents section deformation while maintaining reliable drip-proof sealing.
3Reliability
If gaskets are compressed to proper thickness for drip-proof state, then sealing is improved, but tightening force adjustment becomes complex requiring torque management
Solution Approach 1:
The securing holder's protruding portion serves as a self-determining element that automatically sets the correct gasket compression thickness. This geometric constraint eliminates the need for complex torque adjustment procedures, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable sealing quality.
4Reliability
If tightening torque is increased to secure gasket compression, then sealing is improved, but section deformation occurs due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion of the securing holder acts as a self-limiting mechanism that automatically controls the compression force applied to the gasket. By geometrically determining the compression thickness, it prevents excessive tightening force that would cause section deformation, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the mounting section while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 configuration ensures consistent gasket compression and enhanced drip-proof ability, reducing manufacturing costs and mechanical deformation risks while maintaining effective cooling without additional heat pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan, and a plurality of heat radiating fins arranged in the inside of the electric power converter case in correspondence with the blowing direction of the cooling fan
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of heat radiating fins arranged in the inside of the electric power converter case
Implementation Method 3
heat radiating fins arranged in the inside of the electric power converter case in correspondence with the blowing direction of the cooling fan
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power converter can include an electric power converter case mounted on rolling stock, a unit mounting section formed in the electric power converter case and having a cooler insertion opening, and an internal unit mounted on the unit mounting section. The internal unit can include a cooler projecting from the unit mounting section through the cooler insertion opening into an outside air introduction section into which the outside air is introduced and a plurality of securing holders made to butt against the unit mounting section for securing the internal unit. Each of the securing holders can have a butting surface for butting against the unit mounting section to form a step by making the butting surface protrude from the opposed surface of the internal unit facing the unit mounting section.