Thermoelectric Module Electrode Layout for Moisture-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric modules face challenges in moisture resistance and durability, particularly due to exposure of electrodes and stress caused by temperature changes, which affect their insulating and sealing properties.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealant at the edge portion of the thermoelectric module with electrodes featuring concave portions on their outer rims, reducing exposure and alleviating stress, thereby enhancing moisture resistance and insulating properties. The electrodes are arranged to be shielded by the sealant, and the concave portions are strategically positioned between connections to improve durability and sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are arranged close to the edge portion of the space to improve electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but moisture resistance deteriorates due to electrode exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is extended in the thickness direction (vertical dimension) to form a protruding portion that reaches the sealant. This dimensional extension allows the electrode to maintain good electrical connection while being protected by the sealant from the side, solving the contradiction between electrical connection reliability and moisture resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant serves as an intermediary substance that fills the space between the electrode protruding portion and the edge portion of the space. This intermediary structure provides both mechanical support and moisture barrier function, allowing the electrode to be electrically connected while protected from moisture
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer rim of the electrode is positioned close to the edge portion to reduce sealant material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability deteriorates due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The outer rim of the electrode is formed with a curved surface instead of a sharp edge. This curvature distributes the stress from thermal expansion and contraction more evenly, preventing stress concentration at sharp corners while still allowing the electrode to extend close to the edge portion to reduce sealant material
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode is extended in the thickness direction to improve moisture resistance, then moisture resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary portions of the electrodes (the outermost electrodes adjacent to the edge portion) are extended in the thickness direction to form protruding portions. The inner electrodes maintain their conventional flat structure. This localized modification improves moisture resistance without unnecessarily increasing the complexity of the entire electrode 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
This configuration significantly improves the moisture resistance and durability of the thermoelectric module by reducing electrode exposure and stress, while maintaining high insulating and sealing properties, thus addressing the limitations of conventional modules.
Implementation Method 1
a sealant at an edge portion of the space
Implementation Method 2
the concave portion is concaved in a direction away from the edge portion of the space and is at a position between the first and second connections of the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric module has a first substrate, a second substrate spaced from the first substrate, a plurality of P type thermoelectric elements and N type thermoelectric elements arranged in the space between the first and second substrates, and a plurality of electrodes which connect the P type and N type thermoelectric elements in series. Each electrode is connected to a respective one of the plurality of P type thermoelectric elements at a first connection and a respective one of the plurality of N type thermoelectric elements in the space, and a sealant is located at an edge portion of the space. Each one of a series of first or outer electrodes closest to the edge portion of the space has a concave portion that is concaved in a direction departing from the edge portion of the space and is at a position between the first connection and the second connection.