Thermal Mass Element in Relay Wiring to Suppress Dew Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic control devices with relays experience dew condensation issues in extremely cold areas due to sudden temperature drops of the contact parts, despite existing cooling configurations, leading to potential contact failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal mass element in the wiring route between the connector terminal and the relay to slow down the temperature drop of the contact part, thereby suppressing dew condensation by elongating the thermal transfer route and increasing thermal capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the relay case is cooled by outside air after device operation stops, then the connector terminal temperature decreases, but the contact part temperature drops suddenly causing dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal mass element is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector terminal and the relay. This thermal mass element acts as a buffer that mediates the thermal interaction, absorbing excess heat from the connector terminal and releasing it gradually to the contact part, thereby preventing sudden temperature drops that would cause dew condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the wiring route by introducing a component with specific thermal mass properties. The thermal mass element has high heat capacity and appropriate thermal conductivity, which modifies the temperature-time characteristics of the contact part, slowing down the cooling rate and preventing the temperature from dropping below the dew point.
2Temperature
If a thermal mass element is added to the wiring route, then the temperature drop of the contact part is slowed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal mass element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides thermal mass to prevent sudden temperature drops, serves as part of the electrical wiring route, and can be integrated with existing structural components. This multi-functionality approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired thermal management effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the thermal management function with the existing wiring structure. The thermal mass element is integrated into the wiring route rather than being added as a separate, standalone component, thereby combining thermal control and electrical connection functions in a single integrated solution.
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 thermal mass element effectively reduces the likelihood of dew condensation at the relay contact parts by slowing down the temperature drop, ensuring reliable operation in cold conditions by maintaining the moisture inside the relay case and preventing contact failures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal mass element is provided in a wiring route between a connector terminal and a relay... the provision of the thermal mass element serves to slower a drop in temperature of a contact part
Implementation Method 2
the provision of the thermal mass element serves to slower a drop in temperature of a contact part when the connector terminal is cooled by outside air
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control device includes a relay including a relay case and an electromagnet and a contact part. The relay case is structured to contain the electromagnet and the contact part. The contact part is structured to be opened and closed by action of the electromagnet. A connector terminal is electrically connected to the relay. A circuit board is structured to mount the relay and the connector terminal thereon. An exterior shell is structured to contain the circuit board such that the connector terminal is exposed outside the exterior shell. A thermal mass element is disposed in a wiring route between the relay and the connector terminal.