PCB Refrigerant Jacket Mounting to Reduce Power Device Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air conditioners with refrigerant jackets, vibrations from the compressor can cause excessive loads on lead wires of power devices, leading to loose connections and potential damage due to the direct attachment of refrigerant jackets to power devices on printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A common support member, such as a switch box, connects the printed circuit board and refrigerant jacket, allowing them to vibrate together and reducing the load on lead wires, while a heat transfer plate ensures thermal capacity for heat dissipation during low refrigerant flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the refrigerant jacket is directly attached to the power device on the printed circuit board, then the power device can be cooled effectively, but vibration from the compressor causes excessive load on lead wires leading to loose connections and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support member as an intermediary component between the refrigerant jacket and the printed circuit board. This support member decouples the direct mechanical connection, allowing the refrigerant jacket to be cooled by refrigerant while preventing vibration transmission to the power device lead wires. The support member acts as a mediator that separates the thermal coupling function from the mechanical connection function.
2Temperature
If the refrigerant jacket is attached to the power device, then cooling is achieved, but vibration transferred through refrigerant pipes causes excessive load on lead wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: the refrigerant jacket for cooling, the support member for mechanical support, and the printed circuit board for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the support member bearing the vibration loads while the refrigerant jacket maintains thermal contact with the power device.
3Temperature
If the power device is cooled by refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant jacket, then the power device temperature is controlled, but vibration excitation of the refrigerant jacket transfers excessive load to lead wires
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as an intermediary that decouples the harmful vibration effects from the beneficial cooling function. It allows the refrigerant jacket to maintain its cooling role while preventing the transmission of vibration-induced stress to the lead wires, thus protecting the power device connections from damage.
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 minimizes damage to power devices by distributing vibration loads and maintaining operational temperatures through effective heat transfer, preventing excessive stress on lead wires and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
Refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant jacket (20) cools the power device (33)
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer plate (50) ensures a predetermined thermal capacity
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a printed circuit board (31) to which a power device (33) is attached; and a refrigerant jacket (20) which is connected to the power device (33), and through which refrigerant used for a refrigeration cycle flows. The printed circuit board (31) is accommodated in a switch box (40). The refrigerant jacket (20) is fixed to the switch box (40) through a heat transfer plate (50), and the refrigerant jacket (20) and the printed circuit board (31) are connected together by the switch box (40).