Thermoelectric cooler controller and angled mounting thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for electronic components require separate enclosures for controllers, leading to increased space usage and complexity due to hardwired connections, which complicates installation and modification.
Innovation Solution
A compact thermal management system with a thermoelectric cooling unit and controller integrated within the enclosure, utilizing quick connectors for simplified power management and reduced form factor, allowing the controller to be mounted inside the main enclosure without additional enclosures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller is mounted outside the main enclosure with a separate controller enclosure, then the controller is protected and hardwired connections are secure, but the space usage increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated directly into the main enclosure by mounting it on the interior surface, eliminating the need for a separate controller enclosure. This merging of the controller into the existing enclosure structure reduces overall space usage while maintaining controller protection through the enclosure's existing protective features.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is nested within the main enclosure by mounting it on the interior surface, allowing the controller to occupy space within the existing enclosure volume rather than requiring additional external space. This nesting approach protects the controller while minimizing the system's overall footprint.
2Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for power and control signals, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and modification difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components: the controller with integrated terminals, cable assemblies with connectors, and quick-connect interfaces. This segmentation allows for reliable electrical connections while enabling easy installation and modification by simply connecting or disconnecting cable assemblies rather than performing hardwired installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Cable assemblies with connectors serve as intermediaries between the power source and the controller, and between the controller and cooling units. These intermediary cable assemblies provide reliable electrical connections while simplifying installation and modification, as they can be easily connected and disconnected without hardwiring.
3Reliability
If a separate controller enclosure is used, then the controller is protected, but material usage increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller enclosure function is merged with the main enclosure by mounting the controller directly on the interior surface of the main enclosure. This eliminates the need for a separate controller enclosure and its associated materials, while the controller remains protected within the main enclosure's protective structure.
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 solution enables a more compact and straightforward installation process by eliminating the need for external controller enclosures, reducing material usage and complexity while maintaining effective thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric cooler controller and angled mounting thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for an enclosure containing electrical components includes a thermoelectric cooling unit for controlling temperature inside the enclosure and a controller for the cooling unit, the controller being configured so that it can be installed within and protected by the enclosure, rather than requiring its own separate secure enclosure. The controller can further be installed within a housing of the thermoelectric cooling unit, which housing does not increase the footprint of the cooling unit. The housing can include a cover that separates the space within the housing into two compartments, with the controller mounted at an angle that allows the controller to fit within one of the compartments and under the cover.