U-Shaped Retention Structure for Heat Generating Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing retention configurations for heat generating electronic components, such as solid state electronic relay modules, face challenges in balancing thermal connection, structural stresses due to thermal expansion, and ease of assembly, particularly when mounted within motor housings acting as heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped retention structure with elongated legs and positioning slots, combined with a pin structure, is used to securely attach the heat generating component to a heat dissipating substrate, providing a biasing force through a resilient structure to ensure effective heat transfer and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid retention structure is used to securely fasten the heat generating component, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal contact consistency deteriorates due to thermal expansion stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure transitions from a rigid configuration to a flexible configuration through the resilient legs, allowing the structural parameters to change dynamically in response to thermal expansion stresses while maintaining consistent thermal contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure incorporates dynamic elements through the resilient legs that can flex and adapt their position, enabling the structure to respond to changing thermal conditions and maintain reliable contact without compromising structural integrity
2Reliability
If a complex retention configuration is used to balance thermal connection and structural stresses, then thermal performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the U-shaped body providing structural support, the resilient legs providing adaptive contact pressure, and the positioning features ensuring proper alignment. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while simplifying the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient legs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, maintain thermal contact pressure, accommodate thermal expansion differences, and enable easy installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
3Reliability
If a resilient structure is used to maintain consistent contact pressure, then thermal contact reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient legs are designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, curvature) that allow them to function as springs within defined tolerance ranges. This approach accommodates manufacturing variations while maintaining the essential spring function and thermal contact reliability
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 enhances the thermal connection, manages structural stresses, and simplifies assembly by providing a secure and efficient means of retaining the heat generating component, ensuring effective heat dissipation and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient structure associated with the retention body may be provided which extends between the legs and the base and exerts a biasing force through the base
Implementation Method 2
Heat generating electronic components are often required to be mounted in association with a heat dissipating structure in order to maintain the component temperature within a desired operating temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A retention structure for retaining a heat generating component to a heat dissipating substrate. The heat generating component has a heat transfer surface and an opposing biasing surface, and the heat dissipating substrate has opposing first and second sides. The retention structure has a generally U-shaped retention body including an elongated base having opposing ends, and legs extending from the ends of the base. Each of the legs includes a positioning slot. The substrate includes a pair of passages for receiving the legs therethrough, and a pin structure is positioned on the substrate and extends through the positioning slots in the legs to locate the base of the retention body adjacent to the biasing surface and effect a biasing of the heat transfer surface toward the substrate.