Flat Conveyor Drive Unit Layout for EMC and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor drive units are not compact or space-efficient, making them difficult to fit into narrow spaces within built-up environments, and they often fail to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, flat design conveyor drive unit with a metal grounding plate and integrated cooling system, including a heat sink and line filter, which enhances EMC properties by preventing circulating currents and common-mode disturbances, and features a modular housing with a fan unit for convective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing conveyor drive units are used, then they provide basic driving function, but they are not compact or space-efficient and difficult to fit into narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding plate and heat sink into a single integrated component. The heat sink is mounted directly on the grounding plate, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall space requirements. This merging of functions allows the drive unit to be more compact while maintaining both grounding and cooling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink is designed to extend through the grounding plate from one side to the other, utilizing the thickness dimension of the grounding plate for heat dissipation. This dimensional approach allows the cooling function to be embedded within the grounding structure rather than adding external volume.
2Reliability
If existing conveyor drive units are used, then they provide basic driving function, but they fail to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding plate and heat sink are merged into a single component that simultaneously provides electromagnetic grounding and thermal cooling functions. This integration reduces structural complexity compared to having separate grounding structures and heat sink mounting systems, while ensuring proper EMC compliance through the grounding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding plate serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic grounding for EMC compliance, acts as a mounting surface for the heat sink, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then space efficiency improves, but cooling effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink utilizes the thickness dimension of the grounding plate by extending through it from one side to the other. This allows the heat dissipation structure to be embedded within the available space rather than requiring additional external volume, maintaining compactness while providing effective cooling surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding plate itself serves as the mounting structure for the heat sink, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or additional structural elements. The grounding plate's inherent structure is utilized to support the cooling function, reducing overall device volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
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 provides a space-efficient, EMC-compliant conveyor drive unit that can be easily installed in narrow spaces and operates efficiently while meeting regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
main circuit board comprises a power component module with IGBT transistors, a drive circuit of the IGBT transistors and a heat sink adapted for cooling the IGBT transistors
Implementation Method 2
The conveyor drive unit also has good EMC properties, thus fulfilling EMC regulations required for operation of the conveyor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention represents a conveyor drive unit (1) for driving a conveyor drive machine. The conveyor drive unit comprises a main circuit board (4), a grounding plate (2) having a void and a housing enclosing the grounding plate (2) and the main circuit board (4). The main circuit board (4) comprises power components, such as power transistors of the drive unit (1) and a heat sink for cooling the power transistors. The grounding plate (2) separates interior of the housing into two portions. The main circuit board (4) is attached to one side of the grounding plate (2) such that heatsink of the power transistors extends via the void to the other side of the grounding plate (2).