Smart Power Module Stress Sensor Integration for Thermal Fit Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is no effective method to detect a poor fit between a smart power component and an external heat sink, leading to overheating and potential burnout due to inadequate thermal management, and excessive stress from improper fitting.

Innovation Solution

A control method and apparatus that acquire and analyze fitting information around fixed and non-fixed points using stress measuring sensors, converting analog signals to digital signals to determine if the fit meets preset conditions, and output prompts to adjust the fitting as necessary to prevent overheating and stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the smart power component fits tightly with the external heat sink, then heat dissipation is improved, but stress is generated on the smart power component and internal chip causing failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidstress on component
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function by placing multiple stress sensors at different locations (fixed points and non-fixed points) on the smart power component. This segmentation allows independent measurement of stress at various positions, enabling precise identification of fitting issues without requiring a monolithic detection approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where stress sensor data is continuously monitored, processed, and used to generate adjustment prompts. The control unit compares measured stress values against threshold conditions and provides real-time feedback to guide fitting adjustments, creating a closed-loop system that prevents both overheating and excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Strength

If the smart power component does not fit well with the external heat sink, then stress is reduced, but temperature rises too high causing burnout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress on componentVSAvoidtemperature of component
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heat sink interface into multiple monitoring zones with dedicated stress sensors at fixed and non-fixed points. This segmentation enables differentiated detection of fitting quality across the component surface, allowing optimization of both thermal contact and stress distribution simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from stress sensors to continuously monitor fitting conditions and provide adjustment guidance. By comparing real-time stress measurements with preset thresholds, the system generates actionable prompts to achieve optimal fitting that balances heat dissipation requirements with stress prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple stress sensors are integrated in the smart power component, then fitting detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting detection precisionVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the smart power component multi-functional by integrating stress sensing capability directly into the component structure. The same component serves both power processing and stress monitoring functions, eliminating the need for separate external sensing systems and reducing overall system complexity despite multiple sensors.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the stress sensing function with the smart power component structure. By integrating sensors during the manufacturing process and using the component's existing electrical infrastructure for signal processing, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If stress measuring sensors are integrated in the smart power component, then fitting information detection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting information detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by integrating stress sensors during the smart power component manufacturing process rather than as an afterthought. This allows sensor placement to be coordinated with existing manufacturing steps, and enables calibration and testing to be performed during assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures a normal fit between the smart power component and the external heat sink, preventing overheating and stress-related failures by providing prompt adjustments to achieve stable and safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation quantity of a contact surface between the smart power component and the external heat sink is detected through a stress measuring sensor integrated in the smart power component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3715778B1Control method for smart power module, device, storage medium and processor
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES WUHAN
  • EP3715778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715778B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A control method and apparatus for a smart power component, a storage medium and a processor are provided. The method includes that: first fitting information and second fitting information, which is detected by the smart power component, between a smart power component and an external heat sink is acquired; it is determined whether the first fitting information satisfies a preset condition, and it is determined whether the second fitting information satisfies a preset condition; when the first fitting information does not satisfy the preset condition, first prompt information is output; and when the second fitting information does not satisfy the preset condition, second prompt information is output. Thus, the technical problem that a poor fit between a smart power component and an external heat sink is not detected is solved.