Thermoelectric Generator Unit With Penetrating Lead Pins

Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoelectric generator units with hermetically closed cases face challenges in diagnosing and replacing malfunctioning modules without opening the case, leading to increased wiring and heat loss, which decreases output per unit area.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric generator unit with a multilayer substrate and lead pins that penetrate through the case, allowing for individual module diagnosis and replacement without opening the case, using interelement electrodes and bypass patterns for electrical continuity without cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the case is hermetically closed to prevent functional decline, then reliability is improved, but the terminal block cannot be housed in the case and wiring must be taken outside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional stability of thermoelectric elementsVSAvoidwiring arrangement outside case

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is nested inside the hermetically closed case, with lead pins penetrating through the case to provide electrical connections. This allows the case to remain hermetically sealed while accommodating the terminal block internally, eliminating the need for external wiring arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Lead pins serve as intermediaries that penetrate through the hermetically closed case to establish electrical connections between the terminal block (inside the case) and external circuits. This mediator approach maintains the hermetic seal while enabling necessary electrical connectivity for diagnosis and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wiring is taken outside the case for diagnosis and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the filing of thermoelectric elements decreases and heat loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis and maintenance accessibilityVSAvoidheat loss in the case

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is nested inside the hermetically closed case, with lead pins penetrating through the case to provide electrical connections. This allows the case to remain hermetically sealed while accommodating the terminal block internally, eliminating the need for external wiring arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging wiring externally (two-dimensional surface arrangement), the lead pins penetrate through the case in the third dimension, allowing electrical connections to be made while maintaining the hermetic seal and maximizing the internal filing space for thermoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of repair

If a terminal block is provided inside the case for module switching, then ease of repair is improved, but the filing rate of thermoelectric elements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule switching capabilityVSAvoidfiling rate of thermoelectric elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is nested inside the hermetically closed case, with lead pins penetrating through the case to provide electrical connections. This allows the case to remain hermetically sealed while accommodating the terminal block internally, eliminating the need for external wiring arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging wiring externally (two-dimensional surface arrangement), the lead pins penetrate through the case in the third dimension, allowing electrical connections to be made while maintaining the hermetic seal and maximizing the internal filing space for thermoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables reliable module diagnosis and maintenance without opening the case, increasing the packing density of thermoelectric elements and maintaining output while allowing continuous operation even with malfunctioning modules.

Implementation Method 1

A thermoelectric generator module generates an electric power from a difference in temperature between two objects through conversion of the difference in temperature to electric voltage (i.e., the Seebeck effect)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10355189B2Thermoelectric generation unit

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 KELK LTD

AI summary

A thermoelectric generator unit includes: a case having a heating surface and a cooling surface; first to fourth thermoelectric generator modules housed in the case, the thermoelectric generator modules including a plurality of thermoelectric elements; a multilayer substrate including: a first layer including an interelement electrode for forming an output circuit configured to connect the thermoelectric elements; a second layer provided with a plurality of through holes penetrating therethrough from front to back; and a third layer including a plurality of bypass patterns electrically continuous with the through holes; and lead pins that penetrate through the case inward and outward, the lead pins having base ends connected to both ends of the output circuit on a surface of the first layer, the output circuit being defined in each of the thermoelectric generator modules.