Thermoelectric Package Hermetic Frame for Condensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoelectric conversion modules are prone to dew condensation, leading to short circuits and corrosion, especially when the low-temperature substrate becomes excessively cold, which can degrade the performance of thermoelectric elements.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric element-containing package with a hermetically sealed space formed by a frame surrounding the thermoelectric elements between two insulating substrates, preventing dew condensation and ensuring the thermoelectric elements operate effectively by maintaining a controlled environment, while also optimizing the arrangement of conductive traces for easier wiring connections and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermoelectric conversion modules are used for local cooling, then temperature control precision is improved, but dew condensation occurs on the low-temperature substrate causing short circuits and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A frame structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the thermoelectric conversion module and the external environment. This frame creates a hermetically sealed enclosure that mediates the interaction between the cold substrate and ambient moisture, preventing dew condensation while maintaining the temperature control function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame encloses the thermoelectric conversion module to create a hermetically sealed environment, effectively isolating the internal components from the external atmospheric moisture. This inert environment prevents dew condensation on the cold substrate while maintaining precise temperature control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Temperature

If the low-temperature substrate becomes excessively cold, then cooling performance is improved, but dew condensation and moisture absorption occur degrading element performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling temperatureVSAvoiddew condensation and moisture absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame creates a hermetically sealed environment that isolates the thermoelectric conversion module from external atmospheric moisture. This allows the low-temperature substrate to achieve excessively cold temperatures for enhanced cooling performance without causing dew condensation or moisture absorption, as the sealed environment prevents moisture contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Ease of operation

If wiring conductors are exposed for external connections, then ease of connection is improved, but susceptibility to dew condensation and corrosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connection easeVSAvoiddew condensation and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame serves as an intermediary structure that provides designated connection points for wiring conductors while maintaining the hermetically sealed environment. This allows external connections to be made without exposing the internal thermoelectric elements to moisture, preventing dew condensation and corrosion on the wiring conductors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents dew condensation, reduces the risk of short circuits and corrosion, maintains the performance of thermoelectric elements, and allows for more flexible and cost-effective production with reduced substrate size requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a frame that is joined to the first substrate and the second substrate so as to form a hermetically sealed space surrounding the plurality of thermoelectric elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 2

thermoelectric conversion elements using the Peltier effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11659767B2Package with built-in thermoelectric element

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 FERROTEC MATERIAL TECH CORP

AI summary

A thermoelectric element-containing package according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric conversion module including: a first substrate having first and second main surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth main surfaces; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements that are sandwiched between the first and second substrates and arranged along the second main surface and the third main surface. The thermoelectric element-containing package further includes: a frame joined to the first and second substrates so as to form a hermetically sealed space surrounding the plurality of thermoelectric elements and disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a placement member that is disposed on the first main surface of the first substrate or the fourth main surface of the second substrate and to which an additional device is to be connected.