Electronic controller modules and methods for making and using same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic controller module comprising:
- an electronic controller that generates at least about 15 W of heat;
an enclosure that includes a lid and is made of at least one heat-resistant material configured and dimensioned to surround and physically protect the controller;
at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the enclosure to the controller; and
a heat sink operatively associated with the controller to receive heat therefrom, the heat sink being configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure, wherein the lid is made of heat-resistant material and the heat sink comprises a heat fin assembly mounted upon the lid that extends away therefrom.
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Abstract
An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electronic controller module comprising:
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an electronic controller that generates at least about 15 W of heat;
an enclosure that includes a lid and is made of at least one heat-resistant material configured and dimensioned to surround and physically protect the controller;
at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the enclosure to the controller; and
a heat sink operatively associated with the controller to receive heat therefrom, the heat sink being configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure, wherein the lid is made of heat-resistant material and the heat sink comprises a heat fin assembly mounted upon the lid that extends away therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 19)
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10. An electronic controller module comprising:
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an electronic controller that generates at least about 15 W of heat;
an enclosure made of at least one heat-resistant material configured and dimensioned to surround and physically protect the controller;
at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the enclosure to the controller; and
a heat sink operatively associated with the controller to receive heat therefrom, the heat sink being configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure, wherein the enclosure is at least substantially rectangular having dimensions of about 3 cm to 8 cm in length, about 1 cm to 4 cm in height, and about 3 cm to 6 cm in width, and wherein the heat sink comprises at least two short fins having a length of about 0.25 cm to 1 cm and at least two long fins having a length of about 1.5 cm to 6 cm, each adjacent the enclosure at one end thereof and extending away therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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13. An electronic controller module comprising:
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an electronic controller that generates at least about 15 W of heat;
an enclosure that includes a lid and is made of at least one heat-resistant material configured and dimensioned to surround and physically protect the controller;
at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the enclosure to the controller;
a heat sink operatively associated with the controller to receive heat therefrom;
the heat sink being configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure; and
further comprising an electrically insulating but thermally conductive member between the controller and the lid and in contact therewith to inhibit or avoid degradation of the controller. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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16. An electronic controller module comprising:
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an electronic controller that generates at least about 15 W of heat;
an enclosure made of at least one heat-resistant material configured and dimensioned to surround and physically protect the controller;
at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the enclosure to the controller; and
a heat sink operatively associated with the controller to receive heat therefrom, the heat sink being configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure, wherein the enclosure includes a lid which acts as the heat sink and comprises one or more of aluminum, copper, or thermally conductive plastic, and wherein the controller comprises a single circuit board having all controller components mounted thereon that is surrounded by the enclosure and the lid.
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17. A method for dissipating heat from an electronic controller which comprises:
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providing an enclosure comprising an olefinic polymer including amide units around the electronic controller which generates at least about 15 W of heat during operation;
associating a heat sink with the controller to receive heat therefrom; and
dissipating a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the controller and enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification