RF Generator Air Duct Layout for EMI Shielding and Cooling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiofrequency generators face challenges in compact design due to sensitivity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the need for separate and complex cooling systems for high-power and low-power circuits.

Innovation Solution

A radiofrequency generator design featuring a housing with a cooling air duct that separates high-power and low-power compartments, using an air flow guidance plate and fan to shield low-power circuitry from EMI and provide efficient cooling for both circuits, while maintaining a compact arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If separate cooling circuits are provided for high-power and low-power circuits, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooling functions for both high-power and low-power circuits into a single integrated cooling circuit. The housing structure includes a first cooling channel for the high-power amplifier and a second cooling channel for the control circuit, both utilizing the same air flow path generated by a single fan, thereby reducing the number of separate cooling systems while maintaining effective cooling for both circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If separate cooling circuits are provided for high-power and low-power circuits, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but generator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidgenerator size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cooling functions into a single integrated system where one fan serves both cooling channels. The housing structure integrates the first and second cooling channels within the same physical space, allowing both high-power and low-power circuits to be cooled simultaneously without requiring separate cooling systems, thus reducing overall generator size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If low-power control circuitry is placed near high-power amplifier, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shielding structure as an intermediary between the high-power amplifier and the control circuit. The housing includes a shielding wall that physically separates the first cooling channel (containing high-power circuitry) from the second cooling channel (containing low-power control circuitry), thereby blocking electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact integration of both circuits within the same housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding structures are added to protect low-power circuitry, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the housing structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The shielding wall within the housing not only provides electromagnetic interference protection by separating high-power and low-power circuits but also acts as a structural support element and defines the cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate shielding components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively shields low-power circuitry from high-power EMI and provides efficient cooling, resulting in a compact and cost-effective generator with reduced complexity and size.

Implementation Method 1

The control circuit can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the high-power circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference (EMI):

Implementation Method 2

The suggested structure is provided to enhance the effectiveness by which heat is thermally dissipated via air convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir convection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The heat sink, on which heat producing elements are mounted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

heat is thermally dissipated via air convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal dissipation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3745835B1generator
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 COMET AG
  • EP3745835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745835B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745835B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A generator that includes a housing, a high-power circuit including a power amplifier, and a low-power circuit. An air flow guidance plate divides the housing into at least two compartments including a high-power compartment and a low-power compartment. The high-power circuit is disposed within the high-power compartment and the low-power circuit is disposed within the low-power compartment.