Dual-Lip Gasket Channel for Coolant Leak Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic assemblies with gaskets for venting moisture face challenges in preventing coolant leakage from the coolant cavity into the electronics cavity, which can damage the electronic device.

Innovation Solution

The electronic assembly incorporates a gasket with two outer lips and a primary channel between them, designed to convey coolant to an exit aperture if leakage occurs, thereby preventing coolant ingress into the electronics cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gasket is used to hermetically seal the electronics cavity from the coolant cavity, then the reliability of preventing coolant leakage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional sealing components and potential leakage paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of coolant leakage into electronics cavityVSAvoidgasket structure with multiple lips and channels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket incorporates a primary channel nested within its structure, allowing the seal to contain and redirect coolant internally without requiring external leakage collection systems. The channel is integrated into the gasket body itself, with coolant being conveyed through the wall thickness of the gasket to an exit aperture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The primary channel acts as an intermediary pathway that mediates between the coolant cavity and electronics cavity. Instead of allowing direct leakage or requiring complex external drainage systems, the channel provides a controlled intermediate route for coolant that breaches the seal to be redirected to a safe exit point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the gasket is designed with a primary channel for conveying coolant, then the ability to route moisture away from the electronics cavity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise channel formation and sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture routing capabilityVSAvoidchannel formation and sealing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can be formed with integrated channels through extrusion or molding processes. The flexibility of the material allows for effective sealing while the channel geometry is maintained through standard manufacturing techniques, reducing the need for post-processing or assembly of multiple precision components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the gasket uses two outer lips to seal the cavities, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to the complex dual-lip structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiddual-lip gasket fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the outer lips provide sealing against both the coolant cavity and electronics cavity, while the primary channel provides coolant redirection. This multi-functionality is achieved in a single integrated component rather than requiring separate sealing elements and drainage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively isolates the electronics cavity from the coolant cavity, reducing the risk of coolant leakage and protecting the electronic components from damage.

Implementation Method 1

A gasket is configured to isolate or hermetically seal the electronics cavity from the coolant circulating in the coolant cavity or coolant channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

a primary channel between the outer lips for conveying coolant to an exit aperture within the primary channel if coolant breaches or penetrates an outer lip facing the coolant cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel:

Data Source

PatentEP4557903A1Electronic assembly with a gasket for venting moisture

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 DEERE & CO

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

In accordance with on embodiment, an electronic assembly (211) comprises a first housing portion (104) having an electronics cavity (12) for housing a circuit board (44) with heat-generating electronic components (46, 146) mounted on the circuit board (44). A second housing portion (102) has a coolant cavity (18) or coolant channel for circulating a coolant to dissipate heat from the heat-generating electronic components (46, 146). A gasket (20) is configured to isolate or hermetically seal the electronics cavity from the coolant circulating in the coolant cavity (18) or coolant channel, wherein the gasket (20) comprises seal with two outer lips (16, 116) and a primary channel (17) between the outer lips (16, 116) for conveying coolant to an exit aperture within the primary channel if coolant penetrates one of the outer lips (16, 116) facing the coolant cavity to prevent the ingress of fluid into the electronics cavity (18).