Modular Cooling Housing With Cross-Connected Fluid Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power module cooling systems lack an efficient method for connecting multiple cooling boxes to facilitate the circulation of heat transfer fluid, limiting the scalability and flexibility of complex electrical systems.

Innovation Solution

Modular cooling devices with interchangeable connectors that allow for easy connection of multiple cooling boxes in parallel, featuring complementary attachment systems and heat transfer fluid passages, enabling flexible configuration and efficient heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power modules are connected together to form complex electrical systems, then the system capability and power handling are improved, but the complexity of connecting cooling units and circulating heat transfer fluid increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidcooling connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into modular cooling units, each with integrated cooling housing and fastening systems. Each power module can be independently cooled and then connected to form larger systems, reducing the overall complexity of cooling connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling housing incorporates multiple fastening systems (first and second fastening systems) that can connect to different types of fittings and cooling units. This universal interface design allows the same cooling housing to connect to various cooling configurations, simplifying system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple cooling boxes are connected in parallel, then the cooling coverage and heat dissipation capacity are improved, but the number of connection parts and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling coverageVSAvoidnumber of connection parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening systems are integrated into a single cooling housing structure. The first and second fastening systems are combined with the cooling housing to form one unified component, reducing the total number of separate parts while enabling connections to multiple cooling units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Fittings serve as intermediary components that simplify connections between cooling housings and cooling units. The fittings interface with the fastening systems, providing a standardized connection mechanism that reduces assembly complexity when connecting multiple cooling boxes in parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular cooling devices with interchangeable connectors are used, then the flexibility and scalability of the system are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and part variety increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second fastening systems are positioned asymmetrically on the cooling housing, with each serving specific connection purposes. This asymmetric arrangement provides flexible connection options while maintaining a standardized housing design that simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening systems are pre-integrated into the cooling housing during manufacturing, rather than being assembled separately. This preliminary integration reduces assembly complexity during system installation while maintaining manufacturing modularity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables easy and efficient connection of multiple cooling boxes, enhancing the scalability and flexibility of power module cooling systems, allowing for effective heat transfer and management in complex electrical systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one cooling unit for the power stage by circulating heat transfer fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

by circulating heat transfer fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3054755B1Electrical systems with power modules and couplings for connecting boxes for cooling the power modules
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR SAS
  • EP3054755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3054755B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3054755B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical system comprising: - a power module (100) comprising a power stage (102), at least one cooling housing (106) for the power stage (102) by circulation of heat transfer fluid, the cooling housing (106) comprising a first passage (108) of heat transfer fluid and a second passage (110) of heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the cooling housing (106) further comprises, on the side of the first passage (108), a first fastening system (114) and, on the side of the second passage (110), a second fastening system (116), in that the electrical system further comprises at least one fitting (202) comprising a first passage (204) of heat transfer fluid and a second passage (206) of heat transfer fluid, in that the fitting (202) further comprises, on the side of the first passage (204), a first fastening system (210) and, on the side of the second passage (206), a second attachment system (212),in that the first fastening system (210) of the fitting (202) and the second fastening system (116) of the cooling housing (106) are complementary to each other so as to be able to maintain the first passage (204) of the fitting (202) connected to the second passage (110) of the cooling housing (106), and in that the second fastening system (212) of the fitting (202) and the first fastening system (114) of the cooling housing (106) are complementary to each other so as to be able to maintain the second passage (206) of the fitting (202) connected to the first passage (108) of the cooling housing (106).