Thermoelectric Power Generation Assembly with Integrated Wire Sealing Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation apparatuses using thermoelectric elements face challenges in maintaining a superior seal force and protecting electric wires while ensuring ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A power generation apparatus is designed with a thermoelectric conversion part, a chamber, a guide member, and a wire tube, featuring a case with a wire hole and through-hole, a molding member, and a cover to enhance sealing and protect electric wires, while facilitating assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a robust structure with case, molding member, and cover is integrated to protect wires and enhance sealing, then sealing performance and wire protection are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case, molding member, and cover are integrated into a unified guide member assembly that combines structural support, wire protection, and sealing functions into a single coordinated structure, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the case provides structural support and positioning, the molding member protects wires and enhances sealing, and the cover completes the protective enclosure, creating a multi-functional integrated component that addresses several requirements at once

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a guide member with case, molding member, and cover is integrated to protect wires, then wire protection is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire protectionVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is divided into separable components (case, molding member, and cover) that can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing for easier maintenance and wire replacement while maintaining comprehensive protection when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The molding member is nested within the case and covered by the cover, creating a hierarchical structure where components fit within each other, which simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of fastening operations required while providing layered protection for the wires

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Power

If thermoelectric modules are disposed on one surface of the duct with integrated guide member, then power generation performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is integrated with the chamber structure, merging the wire guidance function with the housing structure, which reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functions for power generation and wire management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber serves multiple functions: it houses the thermoelectric conversion part, provides structural support, and integrates the guide member for wire management, creating a multi-functional component that improves power generation performance without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus achieves superior sealing, protects electric wires, and improves assembly efficiency by integrating a robust structure for thermoelectric modules.

Implementation Method 1

elements using the Seebeck effect in which an electromotive force is generated due to a difference in temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4167303B1Power generation apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4167303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4167303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power generation apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a thermoelectric conversion part including a duct and multiple thermoelectric modules arranged on a surface of the duct; a chamber having a hole formed through a lateral surface thereof to allow the thermoelectric conversion part to be inserted therethrough; a wire connected to the multiple thermoelectric modules; and a guide member having a reception space formed therein for receiving the wire, wherein the guide member comprises: a case disposed adjacent to the side surface of the chamber and including a through-hole and a wire hole through which the wire passes; a pipe disposed outside the reception space of the case to correspond to the through-hole; a molding member disposed in the reception space; and a cover disposed at the upper end of the case, and the molding member is disposed to surround the wire.