Terminal Block Heat Sink Ribs for Compact Nut Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
As energy density increases in devices to which terminal blocks are applied, there is a demand for improved heat dissipation due to higher power output and downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a heat sink with ribs surrounding a nut portion, an insulating member, and a heat dissipation portion that contacts a coolant, allowing efficient heat transfer from the nut to the heat sink while maintaining electrical insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cross-sectional area of conductive members is increased to improve heat dissipation, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is segmented into multiple ribs that surround the nut portion, creating multiple heat transfer pathways. This segmentation allows efficient heat dissipation without requiring a large cross-sectional area, as heat is distributed through multiple rib structures rather than a single large conductor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional heat dissipation (flat heat sink surface) to three-dimensional heat dissipation by surrounding the nut portion with ribs in multiple directions. This spatial arrangement maximizes heat transfer surface area within a compact volume, improving heat dissipation without increasing device footprint
2Temperature
If a heat sink is added to improve heat dissipation, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink function is merged with the existing nut portion by integrating ribs that surround the nut. This combination eliminates the need for a separate, standalone heat sink component, reducing assembly steps and structural complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat transfer pathway, provides structural support, and maintains electrical insulation when combined with the insulator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure
3Reliability
If electrical insulation between nut and heat sink is implemented, then electrical safety is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An insulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the nut and heat sink ribs. This insulator prevents electrical short circuits while allowing thermal contact through its thermally conductive properties, thus maintaining both electrical safety and heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator is strategically placed only where electrical insulation is critical (between the nut and heat sink), while other areas maintain direct thermal contact. This localized application of insulation preserves heat transfer pathways while providing necessary electrical isolation
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
Enhances heat dissipation by effectively transferring heat from the nut to the heat sink, reducing the risk of heat transfer to adjacent devices and eliminating the need to increase the cross-sectional area of conductive members for cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink that includes a heat dissipation portion configured to come into contact with a coolant for cooling the device
Implementation Method 2
a heat dissipation portion configured to come into contact with a coolant for cooling the device
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block that is to be fixed to a case of a device and to which an electrically conductive member is to be fastened by a bolt, the terminal block including: a nut to which the bolt is to be screwed; a heat sink that includes a heat dissipation portion configured to come into contact with a coolant for cooling the device; and an insulator that electrically insulates the nut and the heat sink from each other, wherein the heat sink includes a rib located around the nut.