Power Supply Module Shielding for Liquid-Safe AC Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle air-conditioning power supply modules are inadequately sealed, allowing liquid penetration and failing to meet protection standards against dust and water ingress, particularly during inclination tests.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a power supply module with partially unsealed regions and a protective device featuring a deflecting plate with inclined portions and a hydrophobic coated printed circuit board, which directs liquid flow away from sealed regions and prevents accumulation, ensuring protection against vertical and inclined liquid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power supply modules are designed with connectors and cable connection regions, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against liquid penetration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A deflecting plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid environment and the power supply module. This plate redirects liquid flow away from unsealed regions such as connector areas and joining lines, allowing the module to maintain operational accessibility while achieving liquid protection without requiring complete sealing of all connection regions
2Reliability
If power supply modules are completely sealed, then protection against liquid penetration is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is extracted from the power supply module housing itself and implemented as a separate deflecting plate component. This allows the module to be manufactured with standard unsealed connection regions, while the extracted protection element is added separately to achieve liquid resistance, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If connectors are located at the surface of the power supply module, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against liquid penetration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting plate serves as a protective intermediary positioned over the connector regions. It redirects liquid flow away from these surface-located connectors and unsealed areas, enabling the connectors to remain accessible at the module surface for easy operation while preventing liquid from reaching these vulnerable connection points
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
Effectively prevents liquid penetration into the power supply module, maintaining electrical component dryness and compliance with motor vehicle protection standards, even under heavy rain simulation tests and varying inclinations.
Implementation Method 1
the protective device extending at least partially facing said regions so as to cause the liquid to flow beyond said regions, depending on the orientation of said power supply module
Implementation Method 2
the power supply module comprises a printed circuit board, said board being coated with a layer made of a hydrophobic material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly of an electric power supply module and of a protective device for said module, said assembly being intended to equip an air-conditioning unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, said power supply module comprising a housing provided with regions allowing penetration of liquid into the housing, the protective device extending at least partially facing said regions so as to cause the liquid to flow beyond said regions, depending on the orientation of said power supply module.