Power Distribution Box Vent with Radial Heat Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power distribution boxes face structural integrity issues due to trapped heat from electronic components, which can cause deformation or melting of the upper cover, potentially damaging the components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vent in the upper case with a concentric shield and annular gap to facilitate radial heat escape from the storage compartment, preventing heat buildup and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the upper case is spaced apart from the lower case to form a storage space for electronic components, then the electronic components can be housed within the power distribution box, but heat from the electronic components is trapped within the storage space causing the upper case to deform or weaken
Solution Approach 1:
The upper case is segmented into multiple sections: a main body portion forming the storage space, and a separate vent structure with shield and support legs. This segmentation allows the vent to be integrated into the upper case while maintaining structural integrity and providing heat dissipation functionality without compromising the storage space volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure acts as an intermediary element between the storage space interior and exterior environment. It provides a controlled pathway for heat to escape from the storage space while the shield portion blocks direct line-of-sight heat radiation, and the support legs maintain the vent's positional relationship with the storage space.
2Temperature
If a vent is added to the upper case to allow heat to escape, then heat can be released from the storage compartment, but the structural integrity and simplicity of the upper case is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vent structure is merged with the upper case as an integrated assembly. The support legs connect the vent to the upper case, and the shield is positioned within the vent opening, creating a unified structure that provides both heat dissipation and structural functions without requiring separate components or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a pathway for heat to escape from the storage space, the shield blocks direct heat radiation toward sensitive areas, and the support legs maintain structural connection to the upper case. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Area of stationary object
If the electronic components are housed in a tight storage space due to packaging constraints, then the power distribution box meets packaging requirements, but heat from the electronic components is trapped which may cause the power distribution box to deform or weaken
Solution Approach 1:
The shield portion of the vent structure provides localized protection by blocking heat radiation in specific directions toward sensitive areas of the upper case. The shield's positioning and geometry are optimized to protect critical regions while allowing heat to escape through the vent opening, creating non-uniform heat distribution that protects vulnerable areas.
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 vent effectively directs heat away from the electronic components, maintaining the structural integrity of the power distribution box and preventing damage from thermal loads.
Implementation Method 1
The vent defines an opening... allowing heat to escape from the storage compartment
Implementation Method 2
The shield is disposed above the opening so as to allow heat to escape from the storage compartment in a radial manner
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution box configured to house a plurality of electronic components is provided. The electronic components are mounted to a lower case. An upper case is mounted to the lower case and spaced apart from the lower case so as to define a storage compartment. The upper case includes a vent configured to allow heat generated by electric components to escape. In particular, the vents are registered so as to be above selective heat generating electric components.