Machine Tool Electronics Cooling Layout to Prevent Fluid Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices in power tools are prone to contamination and short circuits due to foreign bodies in the fluid cooling system, which can lead to reduced service life and operational failures in dirty or dusty environments.
Innovation Solution
The electronic unit is positioned outside the fluid flow path of the cooling unit, with a fluid cooling element that dissipates heat through a heat diffusion element, ensuring effective cooling while minimizing contact with contaminants, and a sealing unit provides airtight protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the electronic unit is placed inside the fluid flow path for direct cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but contamination and short circuits occur due to foreign bodies in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate cooling paths: a first fluid flow path for the drive unit and a second fluid flow path for the electronic unit. This segmentation allows each component to be cooled independently, preventing contamination from affecting the electronic unit while maintaining effective cooling for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic unit is extracted from the first fluid flow path (which contains foreign bodies) and placed in a separate second fluid flow path. This extraction removes the electronic unit from the harmful environment of the first cooling circuit, eliminating the risk of contamination while preserving the cooling function through the dedicated second path.
2Reliability
If a separate cooling path is created for the electronic unit, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second fluid cooling units are merged into a single integrated fluid cooling unit with a common housing and shared structural components. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the benefit of separate fluid flow paths, as the common structure serves both cooling functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing and structural elements of the fluid cooling unit serve multiple functions: they provide the framework for both the first and second fluid flow paths, offer mechanical support, and enable thermal management for both the drive unit and electronic unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 design prevents contamination and short circuits, ensuring a longer service life and fault-free operation in dirty or dusty conditions by effectively dissipating heat and protecting the electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid cooling unit (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g) for cooling the drive unit (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g) and/or the electronic unit (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g) by means of a fluid (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f, 24g)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus for a machine tool, having at least one electronic unit and having at least one fluid cooling unit for cooling the electronic unit using a fluid. According to the disclosure, the electronic unit is arranged at least primarily, in particular completely, outside of a fluid flow path of the fluid cooling unit.