Sealing Element Design for High-Voltage Module Gas Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-voltage electrical converters, the explosive failure of electrical components within module housings can lead to the escape of explosive gases, causing a chain reaction that destroys adjacent modules due to inadequate sealing, posing significant risks in energy transmission technology.
Innovation Solution
The electrical module design incorporates housing parts with recesses and sealing elements that protrude into these recesses, creating a secure seal by deflecting and reducing the escape of gases, even under high pressure, using angled sealing sections and meander formations to enhance gas deflection and pressure reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing elements are used between housing parts, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but explosive gases can escape during component failure causing chain reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into multiple sealing sections (first sealing section and second sealing section) that protrude into separate recesses in different housing parts. This segmentation allows each sealing section to independently seal its respective interface, providing redundant sealing paths that prevent explosive gas escape even if one sealing path fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element extends in multiple spatial dimensions by protruding into recesses that are positioned at different locations and orientations. The first sealing section protrudes into a recess in one housing part while the second sealing section protrudes into a recess in another housing part, creating a multi-dimensional sealing barrier that effectively blocks gas escape paths.
2Strength
If housing parts are mechanically connected to withstand normal operation, then structural strength is sufficient, but high pressure during explosion can push parts apart creating gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-installed in recesses of the housing parts before assembly, positioning it to protrude into the potential gap space. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when high pressure pushes housing parts apart during an explosion, the sealing element is already in place to block the emerging gap, preventing explosive gas escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element functions as a flexible barrier that can deform under high pressure conditions. When housing parts are pushed apart by explosion pressure, the sealing element flexes and deforms to maintain contact with the housing part surfaces, continuously blocking the gap without requiring rigid mechanical constraints.
3Reliability
If sealing elements protrude into recesses to improve sealing, then gas escape is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element has different properties in different regions: the first sealing section and second sealing section are positioned to protrude into specific recesses at specific locations on the housing parts. This local quality approach concentrates the sealing function at critical interfaces where explosive gas escape is most likely, rather than requiring uniform high precision throughout the entire assembly.
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 design effectively inhibits the escape of explosive gases during module failures, preventing damage to adjacent modules and ensuring reliable operation in high-voltage systems by maintaining a secure seal even when housing parts are pushed apart under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
Gas deflection is forced by a depression or groove for escaping gas, as a result of which cooling and pressure reduction as well as a reduction in the kinetic energy of escaping particles is achieved
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element stops or at least reduces the escape of explosive gases to the outside
Implementation Method 3
cooling and pressure reduction as well as a reduction in the kinetic energy of escaping particles is achieved
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an electrical module (1) having at least one electrical component accommodated in a module housing (2). According to the invention, the module housing (2) has at least two housing parts (21-25), which are positioned one upon the other, and alone or jointly together with one or more additional housing parts (21-25) of the module housing (2), delimit the inner space (2a) of the module housing (2). For the purpose of sealing the support surface between the two housing parts (21-25), at least one sealing element (110, 120, 140, 150, 310, 320, 340, 350, 410, 420, 500) is provided.