US 12,408,309 B2
Systems and methods for a multi-functional structural element of an inverter
Andreas Apelsmeier, Pollenfeld (DE); Chetan Ugare, Nuremberg (DE); and Stefan Berindan, Nuremberg (DE)
Assigned to BorgWarner US Technologies, LLC, Wilmington, DE (US)
Filed by BorgWarner US Technoloqies LLC, Wilmington, DE (US)
Filed on Jun. 13, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/334,199.
Prior Publication US 2024/0422951 A1, Dec. 19, 2024
Int. Cl. H05K 7/20 (2006.01); H02M 7/00 (2006.01); H05K 7/14 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 7/209 (2013.01) [H02M 7/003 (2013.01); H05K 7/1427 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An inverter comprising:
a housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a power module including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface of the power module contacts the first surface of the housing;
a heat sink including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface of the heat sink is coupled to the second surface of the power module;
a multi-functional structural element, the multi-functional structural element including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface of the multi-functional structural element contacts the second surface of the heat sink; and
a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board being coupled to the second surface of the multi-functional structural element;
wherein the housing and heat sink define a cooling circuit, the cooling circuit including a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel, the first cooling channel being defined by a space in the housing and the second cooling channel being defined by inner walls of the heat sink.