Inverter Unit Cooling and Assembly Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing integration of an inverter unit with a rotating electrical machine case faces poor assembly properties due to the large size of the machine case, leading to inefficient cooling and connection challenges for the switching element unit and control board.
Innovation Solution
The inverter unit is designed with a cooler in contact with the switching element unit and the control board positioned on the same side as the rotating electrical machine, allowing for efficient cooling and easy connection, while being housed in an inverter case that is integrally fixed to the rotating electrical machine case, improving assembly properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant channel is formed in the rotating electrical machine case, then the switching element unit can be cooled, but the assembly properties deteriorate due to the large size of the machine case requiring great deal of handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inverter unit into a separate inverter case that is integrally fixed to the rotating electrical machine case. The switching element unit, control board, and cooler are housed together in this inverter case, which is then assembled as a single unit to the machine case. This segmentation allows the inverter components to be pre-assembled and tested separately, improving assembly properties while maintaining cooling functionality through the integrated cooler design.
2Temperature
If the switching element unit is assembled to the rotating electrical machine case, then the cooling function can be achieved, but the assembly complexity increases due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching element unit, control board, and cooler into a single inverter case assembly. These components are disposed in specific arrangements within the inverter case (cooler contacting the switching element unit, control board on the rotating electrical machine side), allowing them to be handled collectively during assembly. This merging reduces assembly complexity by treating multiple components as one integrated unit while preserving their individual cooling and control functions.
3Temperature
If the control board is disposed far from the switching element unit, then the cooling of switching elements can be optimized, but the connection distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by disposing the control board on the rotating electrical machine side of the switching element unit, while the cooler contacts the switching element unit from the opposite side. This spatial arrangement allows the control board to be positioned close to the switching element unit for short connection distances, while the cooler maintains optimal thermal contact. The inverter case structure enables this differentiated positioning, achieving both good electrical connection and thermal management.
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 configuration ensures efficient cooling of the switching elements, facilitates short-distance connection between the control board and switching elements, and enhances the assembly efficiency of the inverter unit with the rotating electrical machine case.
Implementation Method 1
the cooler is disposed so as to be in contact with the switching element unit on an opposite side of the switching element unit from the rotating electrical machine side
Implementation Method 2
a coolant channel through which a coolant passes
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter unit includes a switching element unit, a control board, a cooler, and an inverter case. The inverter case is integrally fixed to a rotating electrical machine case. The cooler is disposed so as to be in contact with the switching element unit on an opposite side to a rotating electrical machine side. The control board is disposed on the rotating electrical machine side of the switching element unit.