Vented Connector Housing for Terminal Heat Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with heat storage members for reducing terminal temperature during power distribution face issues with heat capacity saturation, leading to ineffective temperature management, especially during quick charging.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a heat storage member housed in a second housing space with a venting mechanism that allows gas passage while preventing liquid ingress, ensuring continuous heat dissipation and preventing heat accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing space containing the heat storage member is sealed and isolated from the outside, then waterproofing is improved, but heat accumulates in the housing space and the heat capacity of the heat storage member becomes saturated quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a vent film (a flexible thin film structure) to the vent hole in the cover. This film allows heat to escape from the housing space while preventing water from entering, thus maintaining waterproofing while enabling heat dissipation. The vent film acts as a selective barrier that permits thermal energy transfer but blocks liquid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful element (heat) from the housing space by providing a vent hole through the cover. This allows the accumulated heat to be released to the external environment, preventing heat saturation of the heat storage member while maintaining the sealed structure for waterproofing.
2Productivity
If a high current flows through the terminal during quick charging, then charging speed is improved, but the temperature of the terminal increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated during quick charging into a manageable thermal energy flow. By positioning the heat storage member to contact the terminal and providing a vent path, the system transforms the harmful temperature increase into a controlled heat transfer process where heat is absorbed by the storage member and then dissipated through the vent, turning a negative effect into a controlled thermal management solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage member acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the external environment. It absorbs heat from the terminal during high-current charging and transfers it to the vent space, where it is dissipated to the outside. This intermediary structure protects the terminal from direct thermal exposure while enabling continuous heat removal.
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 connector effectively reduces terminal temperature increases by allowing continuous heat absorption and dissipation, preventing heat storage member saturation and minimizing temperature rises in both power and LA terminals.
Implementation Method 1
the heat storage member is used to absorb the heat generated at the terminal
Implementation Method 2
heat is generated to increase the temperature (operating temperature) of the terminal
Implementation Method 3
a vent film that is provided to the vent hole, allows gas to pass through the vent hole, and prevents liquid from passing through the vent hole
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a power terminal, an LA terminal, a second housing portion, a heat storage member, and a cover. The power terminal is to be electrically connected to a mating terminal. The LA terminal is to be electrically connected to a cable. The heat storage member is erected at a connection portion between the power terminal and the LA terminal. The second housing portion includes a second housing space that houses the heat storage member. The cover sheathes an upper end opening of the second housing portion. The cover has a vent hole that penetrates the cover and communicates with the second housing space. The vent film is provided to the vent hole.