Shape Memory Alloy Thermal Coupling for Vehicle Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management solutions for electrical and electronic components in motor vehicles do not effectively utilize the cooling effect of the vehicle's outer surfaces, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and potential performance and service life issues.
Innovation Solution
A passive, temperature-dependent switchable thermal coupling element that connects electrical and electronic components to the vehicle's outer surface using a shape memory wire actuated mechanism, allowing for efficient heat dissipation only when the ambient temperature is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a permanent thermal connection is made between the component and vehicle outer surface, then cooling effect is achieved at low external temperatures, but additional heat is conducted into the component at high outside temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coupling element employs a shape memory alloy wire that dynamically changes its mechanical properties based on temperature. At low temperatures, the wire remains flexible allowing the coupling element to conform to and thermally connect with the vehicle outer surface for cooling. At high temperatures, the wire becomes rigid and generates sufficient force to mechanically separate the coupling element from the surface, preventing heat conduction into the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the temperature-dependent phase transformation characteristics of shape memory alloy wires. The wire transitions between martensitic (flexible, low-force) and austenitic (rigid, high-force) phases based on ambient temperature. This parameter change enables the coupling element to automatically adjust its thermal connection state - connected at low temperatures for cooling and disconnected at high temperatures to avoid heat input.
2Loss of energy
If thermal interface materials are used for permanent connection, then heat transfer is improved at low temperatures, but heat conduction into the component increases at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic switchable connection. The shape memory alloy wire acts as a temperature-sensitive actuator that automatically opens the thermal path when outer surface temperature becomes too high, eliminating the harmful heat conduction effect while maintaining efficient heat dissipation at appropriate temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves as a smart intermediary between the vehicle outer surface and the electronic component. It incorporates a shape memory alloy wire that mediates the thermal connection based on temperature conditions, allowing heat dissipation when beneficial and blocking heat conduction when harmful, thus protecting the component from thermal damage.
3Device complexity
If passive thermal management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coupling element is fully passive and self-regulating. The shape memory alloy wire automatically responds to temperature changes through its inherent phase transformation properties, enabling the system to self-adjust its thermal connection state without external control systems, sensors, or power sources. This maintains low complexity while achieving reliable temperature-dependent control.
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 thermal coupling element efficiently transfers heat from components to the vehicle's outer surface at low temperatures, while preventing high heat input from the outer surface at high temperatures, thus enhancing the performance and service life of electrical and electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shape memory wire (17) incorporated in the coupling element (10), which shape memory wire (17) forms a temperature-dependent actuating mechanism together with the compression springs (14)
Implementation Method 2
Compression springs (14) are arranged between the metal sheets (11, 12)
Implementation Method 3
The space between the metal sheets is filled with a compressible heat conducting medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermal coupling element, a method of manufacturing the coupling element, and a switchable arrangement for heat dissipation from electrical or electronic components of a motor vehicle.