Power Module Anti-Twist Knobs for Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power modules often incur production waste due to unavoidable twisting of module plate elements during assembly, leading to rejects.

Innovation Solution

The incorporation of anti-twist knobs on the outer edge of the cup-shaped housing, with dimensions matching or slightly exceeding the overhang of the module plate element, and designed with resilience and a flush inner surface to prevent undesired twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the module plate element is fixed between housing components during assembly, then the power module can be manufactured, but twisting of the module plate element occurs leading to production rejects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction yieldVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-twist knobs are formed in advance on the cup edge of the housing, positioned at a distance from one another. These knobs are prepared beforehand to prevent twisting during the assembly process, rather than attempting to correct twisting after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-twist knobs act as intermediary elements between the module plate element and the housing. They provide a mechanical interface that prevents relative twisting motion while allowing the module plate element to be securely held in the correct position during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the module plate element overhangs the cup edge of the housing, then the housing structure is simplified, but the module plate element becomes susceptible to twisting during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structure complexityVSAvoidmodule plate element stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-twist knobs are designed to apply a preliminary counteracting force against potential twisting motions. By positioning these knobs on the cup edge at appropriate distances, they create a stabilizing effect that prevents the module plate element from twisting during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-twist knobs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the cup edge where they provide localized stabilization. The distance between knobs is optimized to prevent twisting at critical points while maintaining the overall simplicity of the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively prevents twisting of the module plate element relative to the housing, thereby reducing production waste and ensuring reliable assembly of power semiconductor and electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

anti-twist knobs are formed at a distance from one another on the outer edge of the cup edge of the housing... prevent undesired twisting of the power semiconductor components and with further electrical and/or electronic components fitted module plate element in relation to the cup-shaped housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Particularly in a design of the last-mentioned type, it is expedient if the anti-twist knobs have a certain resilience, i.e. can be correspondingly compressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1921909B1Power module
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 SEMIKRON DANFOSS ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1921909B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1921909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The module (10) has a cup-shaped housing (14) with a steplike cup edge (28) formed with a circulatively increased outer edge (30) and an inner edge (32) deepened against the outer edge. An inner edge (36) of a module-plate unit (12) lies against an uprising (34), and an outer surface (38) of the module-plate unit projects over the outer edge of the housing about a projection rate (U). Anti-twist protection nebs (40) are formed in the outer edge of the cup edge of the housing and are spaced apart from each other, where the anti-twist protection nebs have a level dimension.