Integrated alternator bridge heat sink

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for sinking heat from the diodes of an alternator bridge whereby the heat is transferred directly to the alternator casting. A mounting base is mounted on the alternator case in a manner to provide both thermal and electrical conductivity. A thin layer of thermally conductive, but electrically isolating, epoxy is sandwiched between a plate and a portion of the mounting base. "Negative" diodes are placed on the mounting base and "positive" diodes are placed on the plate so that electrical contact is made. Heat from the "negative" diodes is transferred through the mounting base and from the "positive" diodes through the plate and mounting base to the alternator casting, thereby reducing the thermal resistance and eliminating a need for large, "finned" heatsinks. The "negative" diodes or "positive" diodes may comprise a low voltage avalanche die, thereby providing for high energy transient suppression in the alternator. Trio diodes and a radio suppression capacitor may be mounted directly on the mounting base or plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.