Power Semiconductor Module With Self-Sustaining Sensor System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power semiconductor modules lack improved reliability and security, with existing solutions requiring complex qualification tests and potential failure detection methods that are not fully effective in ensuring long-term durability.

Innovation Solution

A power semiconductor module with a self-sustaining sensor system that includes sensors for detecting physical and chemical parameters, a wireless transmission device, and an energy source, allowing for autonomous operation without external connections, thereby enhancing reliability and manufacturing simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor system is integrated into the power semiconductor module to detect physical and chemical parameters, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor, wireless transmission device, and energy source into an integrated self-sustaining sensor system that is encapsulated within the power semiconductor module. This merging of multiple functional components into a single cohesive unit improves reliability through coordinated operation while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate component management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to detect multiple physical and chemical parameters (temperature, humidity, gas composition) simultaneously, providing multi-functional monitoring capabilities. This universal approach allows a single integrated system to perform various detection functions, improving reliability across different operating conditions without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a self-sustaining sensor system with wireless transmission is added to the module, then security and monitoring capability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed and pre-integrated during module manufacturing, with the energy source pre-positioned to provide immediate power upon module activation. The wireless transmission device is pre-configured for automatic data transmission. This preliminary integration during manufacturing reduces assembly complexity compared to post-manufacturing installation, while ensuring security and monitoring capabilities are built-in from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If continuous supervision of physical parameters is enabled through the sensor system, then predictive maintenance capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredictive maintenance capabilityVSAvoidsensor system energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless transmission device operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting sensor data at predetermined intervals. This periodic operation enables continuous supervision capability for predictive maintenance while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission. The sensor itself operates continuously for detection, but the energy-intensive transmission occurs only periodically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 module achieves improved reliability and durability by enabling continuous supervision and predictive maintenance, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying integration into existing systems without affecting module functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the energy source is a thermoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

a sensor for detecting a physical parameter or a chemical substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9559024B2Power semiconductor module

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

A power semiconductor module, including a housing and a substrate having at least one conductive path is located, at least one power semiconductor device arranged on said conductive path at least one contact, a self-sustaining system for detecting a physical parameter or a chemical substance, a device for wireless transmitting data provided by the sensor, and an energy source. The sensor detects at least one of current, voltage magnetic fields, mechanical stress, and humidity. The power semiconductor module may be part of an electronic device.