Power Converter Terminal Offset for Connection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power converters face difficulties in connecting power terminals due to narrow spaces between semiconductor modules, making it challenging to connect power terminals and connectors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design ensures that power terminals of adjacent semiconductor modules do not overlap when viewed from the stacking direction, allowing for easier connection and stable stacking, with specific terminal configurations and orientations that prevent narrowing of spaces between power terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If semiconductor modules are stacked closely to reduce device size, then space utilization is improved, but the space between power terminals becomes narrow making connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power terminals of adjacent semiconductor modules are configured with asymmetric positioning in the stacking direction. Specifically, the power terminals of one module are positioned at different heights than those of adjacent modules, creating an offset arrangement that prevents direct overlap. This asymmetric configuration maintains narrow overall device volume while ensuring sufficient connection space between terminals of adjacent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the stacking direction (vertical dimension) to create non-overlapping terminal arrangements. Instead of arranging all terminals at the same height level, the design employs vertical offset positioning where terminals of adjacent modules are staggered in the stacking direction, effectively using the third dimension to solve the two-dimensional connection space problem.
2Ease of operation
If power terminals are positioned to allow easy connection, then connection ease is improved, but the stacked body becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of power terminals in the stacking direction simultaneously achieves both connection ease and stacked body stability. The offset arrangement provides sufficient vertical clearance for connector insertion and welding operations, while the controlled asymmetric positions maintain proper alignment and mechanical stability of the stacked semiconductor modules through standardized mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power converter includes a stacked body in which a plurality of semiconductor modules and a plurality of coolers are stacked. Each of the semiconductor modules is provided with a main body that has semiconductor elements therein, a plurality of power terminals, and control terminals. Among the plurality of the power terminals respectively included in the two semiconductor modules adjoining in a stacking direction of the stacked body, at least parts of the power terminals are configured so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the stacking direction.