Dual Pole Busbar Connector Reducing Inductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power connectors with loop geometries cause inductive losses that become significant at higher switching speeds, limiting the efficiency of power transmission in circuits with rapidly changing voltages.
Innovation Solution
A dual pole power connector design with strategically placed contacts that minimize the cross-sectional area of the current flow path, reducing inductance to below seven nanohenries, thereby minimizing inductive losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional loop geometry connectors are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but inductive losses increase at higher switching speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connector by eliminating the loop geometry and using a linear contact path configuration. This parameter change reduces the inductance from typical loop values to below seven nanohenries, directly addressing the energy loss issue while maintaining manufacturability through standard busbar and contact configurations.
2Productivity
If switching speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but inductive losses increase due to geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the electrical connector by eliminating loop structures and implementing a linear contact path. This parameter change reduces inductance to below seven nanohenries, enabling high-speed switching (exceeding 500 kHz) without significant inductive losses, thus supporting increased productivity.
3Loss of energy
If inductance is reduced below seven nanohenries, then inductive losses are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connector into distinct functional elements: busbars with integrated contacts, modular opposing elements, and blade connectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for low inductance while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular design actually reduces complexity by enabling standardized manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves low inductance (below seven nanohenries) through specific parameter changes in the connector geometry, including contact spacing, contact path length, and busbar configuration. These parameter optimizations minimize inductive losses without requiring complex structures, as the low inductance is achieved through careful dimensional design rather than complicated geometry.
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
Enables efficient power transmission at higher switching speeds by reducing inductive losses, allowing for switching frequencies exceeding 500 kHz without significant energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
inductive losses may be proportional to a frequency of voltage change and a circuit's inductance, and/or a speed of a voltage change and the circuit's inductance. A circuit's inductance may be influenced by the geometry of the circuit itself, or the geometry of the electrical connector itself
Data Source
AI summary
A dual pole busbar power connector including opposing elements configured to form a slot configured to receive a dual-pole blade therebetween. The slot extends from busbars to opposing element distal ends. The opposing elements each includes: a first contact extending into the slot from the opposing element; and a second contact extending into the slot from the opposing element and disposed farther from a slot busbar end than the first contact. When the dual-pole blade is inserted in the slot the first contact contacts a respective blade element at a location in the slot more proximate the slot busbar end than a slot distal end.