PCB Converter Housing With Thermal Interface Layers for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing converters face inefficiencies in heat dissipation within their housings, particularly when using refrigerant pipes, which do not adequately address the heat generated by electronic components.

Innovation Solution

A converter design featuring protruded parts on the housing surface to accommodate heat transfer layers with thermal interface material, allowing heat to be transferred in both directions, and incorporating a terminal groove to ensure smooth heat transfer from terminals to these layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a refrigerant pipe is disposed in the housing for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation function is provided, but heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation function is segmented into multiple independent heat transfer layers disposed at different locations (upper surface, lower surface, and side surfaces of the PCB) rather than relying on a single refrigerant pipe system. Each heat transfer layer independently contacts heat-generating components and transfers heat to the housing, thereby improving overall heat dissipation efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional heat dissipation approach (single refrigerant pipe) to a multi-dimensional approach by disposing heat transfer layers on multiple surfaces (upper, lower, and side surfaces) of the PCB at different heights. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions increases the total heat transfer area and improves heat dissipation performance.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are mounted on the PCB, then functional integration is achieved, but heat generation increases requiring improved heat dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation system is segmented into multiple heat transfer layers positioned at different locations on the PCB (upper surface, lower surface, side surfaces). Each layer targets specific heat-generating components, allowing effective heat dissipation while maintaining high component integration density on the PCB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat transfer layers are selectively disposed at specific locations where heat-generating components are mounted (e.g., near power modules, processors). This local quality approach ensures that heat dissipation resources are concentrated where most needed, effectively managing heat generation from integrated electronic components without compromising functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances heat dissipation efficiency by increasing contact area and improving heat transfer through the use of thermal interface materials, ensuring effective heat dissipation from electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer layer filled with a thermal interface material is disposed in the terminal groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4061104B1converter
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4061104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4061104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4061104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A converter comprises: a housing comprising a refrigerant flow path; a printed circuit board disposed on top of the housing and on the upper surface of which an electronic component is disposed; and a cover disposed on top of the printed circuit board and which covers the upper surface of the electronic component, wherein a heat transfer layer filled with a thermal interface material is disposed on the upper surface of the housing or the lower surface of the cover overlapping the electronic component in the vertical direction.