Robot Controller Cooling With Conductive-Sheet Temperature Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems for robot controllers struggle to perform fine control based on the actual temperature of heat generation elements in servo drivers, leading to inefficient power consumption and reduced fan lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a temperature sensor connected via a heat conductive sheet to the heat generation element, allowing for precise fan control based on actual temperature measurements, and a fan control part to manage air flow to prevent excessive temperature increases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling fan is always operated at maximum air quantity, then the heat generation element is effectively cooled, but power consumption increases and fan lifetime decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of heat generation elementVSAvoidpower consumption of cooling fan

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling fan's rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on the actual temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The fan control part varies the air quantity according to temperature conditions, transitioning from static maximum speed operation to dynamic speed control that matches actual cooling needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A temperature sensor detects the actual temperature of the heat generation element and feeds this information back to the fan control part. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust fan operation based on real temperature conditions, preventing both overheating and unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If a cooling fan is always operated at maximum air quantity, then the heat generation element is effectively cooled, but the service life of the fan motor decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of heat generation elementVSAvoidservice life of fan motor

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan motor operates dynamically at varying speeds rather than continuously at maximum speed. The rotation speed is adjusted according to actual temperature requirements, reducing mechanical stress and wear on the motor, thereby extending its service life while maintaining effective cooling when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback to the fan control part, which adjusts fan operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents the fan from operating at maximum speed unnecessarily, reducing wear and extending the service life of the fan motor while ensuring cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the fan rotation is controlled based on estimated temperature, then power consumption is reduced, but fine control based on actual temperature cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption of cooling fanVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A heat conductive sheet is introduced as an intermediary between the heat generation element and the temperature sensor. This sheet accurately conducts heat from the switching element to the temperature sensor, enabling precise temperature measurement without requiring direct contact with the high-temperature component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces temperature estimation based on electrical parameters with actual temperature sensing. By substituting the estimation mechanism with a physical temperature sensor and heat conductive sheet, the system achieves accurate temperature measurement for precise fan control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables fine control of cooling fans to maintain optimal operating temperatures, reducing power consumption and extending fan lifetime while optimizing space utilization in the robot controller.

Implementation Method 1

a heat conductive sheet which transmits heat generated in the heat generation element to the temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a fan which generates an air flow toward the fin member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12447635B2Cooling device for robot controller

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 NIDEC INSTR CORP

AI summary

A cooling device for a robot controller includes a servo driver having a circuit board and a heat generation element. The cooling device includes a fin member which is attached to the heat generation element, a temperature sensor, a heat conductive sheet which transmits heat generated in the heat generation element to the temperature sensor, a fan which generates an air flow toward the fin member, and a fan control part which controls the fan based on a detection value of the temperature sensor. The heat conductive sheet is disposed between the circuit board and the heat generation element in the servo driver and is contacted with both of the circuit board and the heat generation element, and the temperature sensor is provided on the circuit board and is covered by the heat conductive sheet.