Electronic Module Cold-Zone Protection Against Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic modules in avionics bays face humidity-related malfunctions due to condensation, and existing protection methods like varnishes increase weight and maintenance costs, while air drying systems are complex and bulky.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with a protective casing and a control unit that detects environmental conditions to generate a cold zone separate from the electronic card, redirecting condensation away from the card, thus eliminating the need for varnishes and allowing for easy repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective varnish is applied to the electronic card, then protection against humidity is improved, but weight increases significantly and repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented from the electronic card itself and placed in the environment (protective casing enclosing the card). This separates the card from the protective layer, allowing the card to remain lightweight and repairable while the environment provides protection through controlled condensation zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A cold zone acts as an intermediary between the humid environment and the electronic card. This intermediate cold region captures condensation before it can reach the card, providing protection without requiring direct coating of the card with heavy protective materials.
2Reliability
If a protective varnish is applied to the electronic card, then protection against humidity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the protective function into the environmental casing rather than coating the card, the card itself remains accessible and repairable. The protective casing can be removed or opened without damaging the electronic card components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cold zone serves as a removable intermediary protective layer that can be deactivated or modified without affecting the electronic card. This allows easy access to the card for repairs while maintaining protection during normal operation.
3Reliability
If air drying systems are implemented in the avionics bay, then protection against condensation is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of drying the entire avionics bay air, the invention creates a localized cold zone only where condensation would affect the electronic card. This local approach reduces complexity compared to system-wide air drying while providing targeted protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter locally to create a cold zone that attracts condensation away from the card. This localized parameter change is simpler than implementing comprehensive air drying systems that would require complex heating and air circulation infrastructure.
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
Effectively protects electronic components from humidity, dust, and mechanical attacks without adding weight, ensuring reliable operation and reduced maintenance costs by preventing condensation on the card.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit is arranged to trigger the means for generating a cold zone when the means for detecting a predetermined environmental condition of the internal volume detect an environmental condition capable of causing condensation of humidity air contained in the internal volume on the electronic board
Implementation Method 2
A cold zone can be obtained by raising the temperature of the reference zone, which creates a temperature gradient and therefore the appearance of a zone of higher temperature and of a zone of lower temperature
Implementation Method 3
the means for generating a cold zone comprise a Peltier effect cell which has a hot face and a cold face
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic module (100) comprising a protective casing (21) defining an internal volume (22) and an electronic board (10) placed in the internal volume (22), the electronic module (100) comprising: - means (30, 31) for detecting a predetermined environmental condition of the internal volume (22); - means (50) for generating a cool zone inside the internal volume (22), which means are arranged such that the cool zone is separated from the electronic board (10); - a control unit (40) that is linked to the means (30, 31) for detecting an environmental condition and to the means (50) for generating a cool zone and arranged to trigger the means (50) for generating a cool zone when the means for detecting a predetermined environmental condition in the internal volume (22) detect an environmental condition that is liable to result in the moisture in the air contained in the internal volume (22) condensing on the electronic board (10).