Peltier Cooling System for Electronic Component Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in withstanding extreme environmental conditions due to the limitations of standard electronic components, particularly in military, aeronautical, and industrial applications, where they must endure mechanical shocks, electromagnetic disturbances, and extreme temperatures, and conventional refrigeration units are bulky, noisy, and require frequent maintenance, leading to integration and obsolescence issues.

Innovation Solution

A protection system comprising a housing with physically and thermally isolated compartments, utilizing Peltier modules for cooling, an external radiator with fans for heat evacuation, and a control circuit for temperature regulation, which allows for modular integration of off-the-shelf electronic components while providing mechanical protection and efficient cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional refrigeration units are used to cool electronic components, then cooling capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and integration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator) with a solid-state Peltier module-based cooling system. The Peltier module directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy transfer without moving parts, eliminating the bulky mechanical components while providing effective cooling for electronic components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the bulky mechanical refrigeration components (compressor, condenser, evaporator) from the device, retaining only the essential cooling function through a compact Peltier module. This extraction eliminates the volume occupied by conventional refrigeration units while maintaining cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If conventional refrigeration units are used, then cooling is provided, but maintenance requirements increase and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical refrigeration system with a solid-state Peltier module that has no moving parts, eliminating wear and tear associated with mechanical components. This substitution dramatically reduces maintenance requirements and improves reliability, as the Peltier module cannot suffer breakdowns from mechanical failure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or long-lasting solid-state cooling element (Peltier module) that does not require maintenance like conventional mechanical systems. The simplicity and robustness of the Peltier module allow it to operate reliably for the entire device lifespan without requiring maintenance interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If off-the-shelf electronic components are used, then component availability is improved, but integration complexity increases due to obsolescence and dimensional variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent availabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electronic device into modular compartments (first compartment for control electronics, second compartment for cooled components) with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows off-the-shelf components to be independently selected and integrated without requiring complete redesign of the entire device, reducing integration complexity while maintaining adaptability to component obsolescence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the creation of hardened electronic devices with enhanced resistance to environmental conditions, simplified maintenance, and adaptability to various components without the need for complete redevelopment, ensuring reliable operation in extreme environments.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling device (6) comprising at least one Peltier module (61)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

an external radiator (64) connected to the Peltier modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

at least one fan (71) to expel the heat generated by the external heatsink from the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

The additional stage (7) includes at least one fan (71) to expel the heat generated by the external heatsink from the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 5

The inner walls of the second enclosure are at least partially covered with a thermally insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3675616B1System for protecting an electronic component
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 THALES SA
  • EP3675616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3675616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3675616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This protection system (2) for electronic equipment comprises a housing including a first compartment (3) and a second compartment (4), the first compartment (4) delimiting a first closed enclosure (31), the second compartment delimiting a second closed enclosure (41) separate from the first enclosure and suitable for receiving at least one electronic component, the second compartment (4) comprising a cooling system including at least one Peltier module fixed to the bottom of the second enclosure.