Semiconductor Module Terminal Holding Piece
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor modules face challenges in securely engaging auxiliary terminals with the resin case during assembly, leading to stress transmission onto the bottom portion of the terminals or the insulated circuit board, which can result in poor external connections and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor module incorporates a holding piece with a triangular or quadrilateral cross-section made of insulating material, featuring a projecting portion and recesses to securely engage the auxiliary terminals, reducing stress transmission and ensuring proper fixation, even under external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the resin case opening is made larger to facilitate terminal insertion, then ease of assembly is improved, but stress transmission to the terminal bottom portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A holding piece made of insulating material is introduced as an intermediary component between the terminal and the resin case. This holding piece has a holding portion that contacts the terminal and a fitting portion that engages with the resin case, thereby mediating the connection and preventing direct stress transmission from the resin case to the terminal bottom portion while still facilitating secure engagement.
2Strength
If the resin case opening is made smaller to reduce stress transmission, then terminal strength is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into three distinct components: the terminal, the holding piece (insulating material), and the resin case. The holding piece is divided into a holding portion that contacts the terminal and a fitting portion that engages with the resin case. This segmentation allows the opening in the resin case to be smaller for stress reduction while the holding piece provides the necessary engagement interface for easy assembly.
3Reliability
If auxiliary terminals are securely fixed in the resin case, then connection reliability is improved, but stress transmission to the insulated circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding piece acts as a mediator between the auxiliary terminal and the resin case structure. The holding portion secures the terminal reliably, while the fitting portion engages with the resin case in a manner that isolates the terminal from stress transmission pathways that would otherwise reach the insulated circuit board, thus maintaining connection reliability while protecting the circuit board from harmful stress.
4Device complexity
If a simple resin case structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but terminal fixation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the resin case itself complex, the solution segments the fixation system by adding a separate holding piece. This keeps the resin case structure relatively simple while the holding piece provides the necessary fixation functionality. The holding piece's simple geometry (holding portion and fitting portion) achieves reliable terminal fixation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor module has a metallic base plate; an insulated circuit board fixed on the metallic base plate; a semiconductor element mounted on the insulated circuit board; a resin case to house the semiconductor element, and having an upper surface with an opening; a terminal exposed from the opening of the resin case to an outer portion in a vertical direction; and an insulating holding piece having a triangular or a rectangular cross-section and one surface contacting the terminal. The terminal has a projecting portion disposed inside the resin case to restrict a movement of the terminal in the vertical direction. The resin case has a first recess portion to fit the projecting portion and a second recess portion disposed on the upper surface of the resin case so that the holding piece pushes the projecting portion on the terminal toward the first recess portion for insertion.