Cooling Block Assembly With Interlocking Weld Support Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser welding during the manufacturing of cooling blocks can cause deformation of the base and cover, leading to short circuits in the fluid pathway and degradation of performance.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical connection is established between the base and cover through inter-engaging components, such as protrusions and recesses, which are formed by milling, to reduce the likelihood of warping during welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If laser welding is used to join the base and cover, then the manufacturing efficiency and strength of the cooling block are improved, but the heat generated during welding causes deformation of the base and cover, leading to short circuits in the fluid pathway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strength between base and coverVSAvoidgeometry precision of base and cover
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are pre-formed on the base before the welding process. These protrusions engage with recesses in the cover to establish mechanical support and alignment prior to welding, preventing deformation during the subsequent laser welding process. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the fluid pathway geometry remains precise while still allowing for strong welded joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If laser welding is used to join the base and cover, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the heat generated during welding causes short circuits in the fluid pathway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidfluid pathway integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are pre-formed on the base before the welding process. These protrusions engage with recesses in the cover to establish mechanical support and alignment prior to welding, preventing deformation during the subsequent laser welding process. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the fluid pathway geometry remains precise while still allowing for strong welded joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the base and cover are welded together, then the structural integrity is improved, but the heat from welding causes deformation and potential short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of cooling blockVSAvoidgeometry precision of base and cover
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are pre-formed on the base before the welding process. These protrusions engage with recesses in the cover to establish mechanical support and alignment prior to welding, preventing deformation during the subsequent laser welding process. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the fluid pathway geometry remains precise while still allowing for strong welded joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method reduces the risk of deformation and short-circuiting, ensuring a secure and efficient fluid pathway in the cooling block, thereby maintaining performance.

Implementation Method 1

a structural or mechanical connection between inter-engaging components of the base and the cover during manufacturing of the cooling block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Implementation Method 2

During the laser welding process, a large amount of heat is generated which often leads to deformation of the geometry of the base and/or the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

water (or other fluid) is made to flow through a conduit in the cooling block to absorb heat from the heat-generating electronic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4593066A1Cooling block for cooling a heat-generating electronic component
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 OVH
  • EP4593066A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4593066A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4593066A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for making a cooling block for cooling a heat-generating electronic component. The method includes providing a base defining an open passage and a protrusion and providing a cover positionable on the base to close the open passage forming a fluid conduit. The cover has an underside defining a recess which receives at least a free end of the protrusion. The method includes positioning the cover on the base such that at least the free end of the protrusion is received in the recess and the open passage is closed to form the fluid conduit and welding an outer side of the cover, along a weld path which includes at least a portion on the cover above the recess. A cooling block made by the method.