Pivotable Electrode Thermoelectric Module for Uneven Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric modules with flat structures face increased thermal resistance and reduced thermoelectric generation output when mounted on non-flat or uneven heat source surfaces, as they require heat spreaders or thermal pastes that increase thermal resistance and reduce temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric module design featuring pivotable electrode components and a cooling pipe with a ball-socket joint mechanism allows for flexible mounting on non-flat surfaces, reducing thermal resistance and enhancing temperature differences between high and low temperature components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heat spreader or thermal paste is applied to make the surface flat, then the thermoelectric module can be mounted on uneven surfaces, but thermal resistance increases and temperature difference decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode plates are designed with pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of their angles relative to the uneven heat source surface. This enables the thermoelectric module to adapt to varying surface geometries without requiring static compensating layers like heat spreaders or thermal paste, thereby maintaining low thermal resistance while achieving mounting adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting angle and orientation of electrode plates can be adjusted to optimize thermal contact with the heat source surface. By changing the geometric parameters of the electrode plate arrangement, the system achieves both adaptability to uneven surfaces and minimal thermal resistance without energy loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thermoelectric module is mounted on non-flat surfaces with heat spreaders, then mounting is enabled, but thermoelectric generation output is substantially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable electrode plates allow the module to dynamically conform to curved or uneven surfaces, ensuring optimal thermal and electrical contact. This dynamic adaptation maintains the temperature difference across thermoelectric elements, preserving generation output while enabling mounting on various surface geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode component is segmented into multiple pivotable electrode plates that can independently adjust their angles. This segmentation allows each plate to optimize its contact with the local surface geometry, maintaining overall system performance and thermoelectric generation output on non-flat surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex structure with N type element, P type element, insulating plate, and electrode corresponding to uneven surface is manufactured, then mounting on uneven surfaces is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing complex custom-shaped components for each uneven surface, the invention uses simple pivotable electrode plates that achieve geometric adaptation through mechanical movement. This dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to conform to various surface geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable electrode plate mechanism serves as a universal solution that can adapt to multiple different surface geometries without requiring custom manufacturing for each case. A single standardized component design can be used across various applications, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 design increases thermoelectric generation output by effectively reducing thermal resistance and maintaining a significant temperature difference between high and low temperature components, even on uneven surfaces, without the need for additional heat spreaders or thermal pastes.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric generation system having a seebeck effect generating electromotive force using a temperature difference between of both surfaces thereof
Implementation Method 2
a cooling pipe that penetrates through the at least one semiconductor part... a cooling medium may pass through an interior of the cooling pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric module mounted on a non-flat surface of a heating source component to reduce thermal resistance to enhance thermoelectric generation efficiency is provided. The thermoelectric module includes at least one electrode component having a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate connected to be pivoted with respect to each other. Additionally, least one semiconductor component includes a first semiconductor element electrically connected to the first electrode plate and a second semiconductor element electrically connected to the second electrode plate.