Segmented Pressing Member for Electronic Component Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressing members for electronic components in high-voltage electrical equipment, such as those in electric or hybrid vehicles, can cause damage due to excessive force exerted on the components' surfaces, and existing solutions complicate assembly and increase height.

Innovation Solution

A pressing member with a plate-shaped portion and leaf springs where all edges of through-openings are formed by leaf springs, distributing force more evenly and reducing the risk of surface damage, allowing for a more efficient and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a pressing member with spring blades is used to clamp electronic components against a cooling system surface, then effective cooling is achieved through improved thermal contact, but the surface of the electronic component can be damaged due to excessive force from individual spring blades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidsurface damage to electronic component
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is segmented into multiple spring blades (at least three) that are distributed around a through-opening. This segmentation allows the total clamping force to be divided into multiple smaller contact points, reducing the force concentration on any single point of the electronic component surface while maintaining overall effective cooling contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring blades are positioned to contact specific local areas of the electronic component surface rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire surface. This localized contact approach ensures adequate thermal contact for cooling while avoiding excessive force on any single vulnerable surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a second plate is introduced between the electronic component and the pressing member to distribute force, then surface damage is prevented, but the height of the assembly increases and assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface damage preventionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function of force distribution is merged directly into the pressing member structure itself through the through-opening design with spring blades. Instead of requiring a separate force-distributing plate, the pressing member's own geometry (the through-opening surrounded by spring blades) performs both the clamping and force distribution functions simultaneously, reducing assembly complexity and overall height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member with the through-opening configuration serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force necessary for cooling contact, distributes that force to prevent surface damage, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated force-distributing components.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple spring blades are used to distribute pressing force, then surface damage is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface damage reductionVSAvoidpressing member structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is segmented into multiple spring blades that are naturally formed by cutting or shaping the plate material around a through-opening. This segmentation achieves force distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single piece, minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 distributes the pressing force, minimizing surface damage to electronic components while maintaining effective cooling, and allows for a thinner, more efficient pressing member that can be integrated into electrical equipment without complicating assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of spring blades (110), each spring blade having a first end integral with the plate-shaped portion (102) and a second end distal to the first end, designed to bear against a body (150) on which the plating member (100) exerts a force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3672382B1Pressing element, assembly and electrical equipment
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 VALEO SIEMENS EAUTOMOTIVE FRANCE SAS
  • EP3672382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3672382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3672382B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping element (100) comprising a plate-shaped portion (102) and a plurality of spring blades (110), each spring blade (110) having a first end integral with the plate-shaped portion (102) and a second end distal to the first end, said second end being designed to bear against a body on which the clamping element (100) exerts a force. The plate-shaped portion (102) comprises at least one first through opening (121) the edges of which are integrally formed by said plurality of spring blades (110).