Semiconductor Cooler Fixation via Internal Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face issues with space efficiency, size increase due to tabs, and the need for sealing gaps when using bolts to fix coolers, which complicates the cooling process and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device employs a design where bolts are accommodated within second flow paths, eliminating the need for tabs and bolt holes, and using bolt-head retainers and internally threaded portions to fix coolers, allowing for efficient cooling without additional sealing requirements, and optionally incorporating compressed springs to maintain pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tabs are provided at both ends of coolers to enable bolting, then coolers can be fixed together, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tab structure with the cooler body by providing protrusions directly on the cooler surfaces that serve as bolting features. This eliminates separate tabs, allowing coolers to be fixed together without increasing the overall device envelope dimensions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bolt holes are provided in coolers for bolt penetration, then coolers can be fixed together, but sealing gaps requires additional gaskets or O rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bolting function from the cooler body by providing protrusions that extend from the cooler surfaces. Bolts engage these protrusions without penetrating the cooler material, thereby eliminating the need for bolt holes and the associated sealing complexity.
3Temperature
If compressed spring is inserted to press semiconductor device, then cooling efficiency is improved, but space for disposing the spring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressing function into the bolting system itself. The bolts, when tightened, directly apply compressive force between the coolers and semiconductor modules, eliminating the need for separate spring elements and their associated space requirements.
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 enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring direct contact between semiconductor modules and coolers, improves space efficiency, and simplifies the fixation process by eliminating the need for tabs and sealing gaps, while maintaining pressure even when bolts are loosened.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the semiconductor modules is cooled from its both sides by a coolant flowing in the corresponding pair of the coolers
Implementation Method 2
The semiconductor device in Patent Literature 1 has a compressed spring inserted between a casing and a stack of the coolers and the semiconductor modules, and is pressed by a force of the compressed spring in the stacking direction
Implementation Method 3
The coolers and the semiconductor modules are pressed against each other by a fastening load of the bolts
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include coolers, semiconductor modules, and a pair of connecting pipes. The coolers are arranged in a line and each of which includes a first flow path. Each of the semiconductor modules is interposed between a corresponding pair of the coolers. Each of the connecting pipes communicates with the adjacent coolers. A pair of coolant holes may be provided at one of the coolers located at one end in the stacking direction. A pair of second flow paths may extend respectively from the coolant holes to one of the coolers located at other end in the stacking direction. A bolt-head retainer and an internally threaded portion may be provided in each second flow path, the bolt-head retainer retaining a head of a bolt, and the internally threaded portion fixing the bolt. The coolers between the bolt-lead retainers and the internally threaded portions are fixed by the bolts.