High thermal efficiency power resistor
First Claim
1. A power resistor comprising:
- a resistive element;
at least one terminal; and
an insulator sandwiched between the resistive element and the terminal the terminal, insulator and resistive element forming a stack, and the insulator particularly configured to restrict contact between the terminal and resistive element to one or more contact areas;
the terminal and resistive element positioned with respect to each other such that the terminal engages the resistive element in the one or more contact areas; and
wherein the resistive element is secured to the terminal by welding the terminal and resistive element together in the one or more contact areas by passing a current through the terminal and the resistive element of the power resistor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power resistor may be formed as a stacked arrangement of first and second terminal plates positioned on either side of a resistor plate and insulated therefrom by interposing first and second insulator plates. Preferably, the insulator plates are metallic plates with non-conductive surfaces. As an example, anodized aluminum plates may be used. The metallic insulator plates provide good thermal conduction paths between the resistor plate and the opposing terminal plates, allowing efficient heat transfer from the power resistor. Further, with metallic insulators, each layer in the stack may be made of metal with attendant structural advantages. For example, the stacked resistor may be subjected to significant compressive force in mounting without need for special precautions or load distribution measures, as might be required with ceramic insulating layers. Preferably, the stack includes interlayer features allowing it to be frictionally fitted together, thus simplifying assembly.
21 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A power resistor comprising:
- a resistive element;
at least one terminal; and
an insulator sandwiched between the resistive element and the terminal the terminal, insulator and resistive element forming a stack, and the insulator particularly configured to restrict contact between the terminal and resistive element to one or more contact areas;
the terminal and resistive element positioned with respect to each other such that the terminal engages the resistive element in the one or more contact areas; and
wherein the resistive element is secured to the terminal by welding the terminal and resistive element together in the one or more contact areas by passing a current through the terminal and the resistive element of the power resistor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- a resistive element;
Specification