Terminal Block Vent Holes for Compact Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power conversion systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting conductive members while ensuring proper ventilation, which affects the apparatus's size and heat dissipation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The electric power conversion apparatus incorporates a terminal block with a movable fastener that switches between holding and releasing a conductive member, a storage unit for the fastener, and vent holes within the storage unit, allowing for secure connection/disconnection and effective ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the housing is arranged close to the terminal block, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the vent route may be blocked affecting heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is nested within the terminal block structure, with vent holes provided in the storage unit. This allows the vent route to be integrated within the compact terminal block, enabling heat dissipation without increasing the overall apparatus size. The movable fastener is stored within the storage unit when not in use, maintaining a compact form factor while ensuring ventilation pathways remain open through the vent holes.
2Ease of operation
If the movable fastener is fully exposed for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but foreign substances may contact the fastener causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit provides a protective enclosure for the movable fastener. When the fastener is not in use, it is stored within the storage unit, which shields it from foreign substances. The vent holes in the storage unit maintain openness while the fastener remains protected during storage, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is designed to automatically receive and protect the movable fastener when it is in the released position. This preliminary protective action ensures that the fastener is shielded from foreign substances as soon as it is not actively being used, preventing contamination before it can cause malfunction.
3Device complexity
If the terminal block structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit serves multiple functions: it stores the movable fastener when not in use, provides structural support for the terminal block, and incorporates vent holes for heat dissipation. This multi-functionality allows heat dissipation capability to be integrated into an already simplified structure without adding separate cooling components, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent holes for heat dissipation are merged with the storage unit structure rather than being separate components. This integration combines the storage function and ventilation function into a single structural element, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring adequate heat dissipation pathways are provided.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power conversion apparatus comprises a terminal block for connecting a conductive member, the terminal block including: a terminal; a movable fastener that switches by movement between a first state and a second state, the first state being a state of holding the conductive member connected with the terminal, the second state being a state of releasing the conductive member; a storage unit that stores at least a part of the movable fastener in at least one of the first state and the second state; and vent holes that are provided in the storage unit.