Graphite-Coated Cooling Device for Electronic Module Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooling devices for electronic modules in household appliances, such as tumble dryers and washing machines, require significant installation space and additional components, like fans, to effectively dissipate heat from drive motors, which is inefficient and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a base body featuring a heat-dissipating graphite material applied as a film or powder coating on a compact, preferably plastic or metal base body, allowing for efficient heat transfer and dissipation with minimal installation space, and the option to use the base body as both a cooling element and a housing wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional cooling devices with fans and heat sinks are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but installation space is significantly increased and device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the base body and cooling function into a single integrated component. The graphite material is applied directly to the base body, merging the structural support function with the heat dissipation function, eliminating the need for separate heat sinks and fans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-based cooling system with a passive thermal conduction system using graphite material. This substitutes active mechanical cooling with passive thermal management, reducing device complexity and installation space while maintaining heat dissipation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If conventional cooling devices with fans and heat sinks are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but device complexity and additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the base body component itself. The base body serves as both the structural support and the heat dissipation element, with graphite material applied directly to it, eliminating the need for separate fans, heat sinks, and mounting hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphite-coated base body provides self-service cooling by conducting heat away from electronic components through its inherent thermal conductivity. The system requires no external power source or control mechanisms, as the heat dissipation occurs passively through thermal conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If graphite material is applied as a film, then application is easy and reversible, but manufacturing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphite material applicationVSAvoidgraphite material application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent offers flexibility in graphite material application by allowing different forms (film or powder) and thicknesses. The film application method enables easy installation and removal, while the powder form allows for site-specific application with controlled layer thickness, accommodating different manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables effective and compact cooling of electronic modules with reduced thermal resistance and material usage, eliminating the need for additional components like fans, while allowing for flexible and efficient heat dissipation across the available surface.

Implementation Method 1

A heat-dissipating graphite material is formed at least in regions on the base body... enables particularly effective cooling and heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2697827B1Cooling device for an electronic module of a household appliance, and domestic appliance comprising a cooling device
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2697827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2697827B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2697827B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooling device (1) for an electronic module (5) of a household appliance, comprising a main body (2) and characterized in that at least some regions of the main body (2) are provided with a heat-dissipating graphite material. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising such a cooling device and to a household appliance intended for the care of laundry and comprising a cooling device (1).