Capacitor Holding Device with Adjustable Retaining Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for electrolytic capacitors in air-cooled frequency converters and servos fail to provide effective mechanical fastening, heat transfer optimization, and tolerance accommodation, leading to potential damage from vibrations and inefficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with preassembled components that allow for axial and radial adjustment of capacitors, using retaining clamps with toothings for secure fixation and spring plates for vibration damping, enabling efficient heat transfer and protection against polarity reversal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrolytic capacitors are mounted in the air flow of the cooling body for direct cooling, then heat transfer is optimized, but mechanical fastening becomes difficult due to high tolerances and vibration damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow the capacitor to be positioned in multiple axial and radial directions. This enables the capacitor to be precisely aligned with the cooling air flow path while simultaneously achieving secure mechanical fastening, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer optimization and mechanical reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device features adjustable and adaptable fastening structures that can accommodate high tolerances in capacitor dimensions. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain both optimal thermal contact with the cooling flow and secure mechanical fixation despite manufacturing variations
2Device complexity
If electrolytic capacitors are encased with a closed jacket without additional support, then the structure is simplified, but mechanical stabilization under vibration is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device separates the capacitor can from the mounting structure, with the holding device acting as an independent support element. This segmentation allows the simple closed jacket to remain intact while the holding device provides the necessary mechanical stabilization against vibrations through its adjustable fastening structures
3Reliability
If capacitors are installed and wedged into an intermediate housing, then mechanical support is provided, but heat dissipation requires additional air and insulation material sections
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device combines mechanical support and heat dissipation functions into a single integrated structure. The same holding structures that provide mechanical fastening and stabilization also serve as thermal pathways, eliminating the need for separate air channels and insulation material sections required by intermediate housing solutions
4Temperature
If the air gap between encased capacitor and protective cover is filled with heat conducting paste, then heat transfer is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device extracts the heat transfer function from the air gap and implements it through direct mechanical contact structures. The adjustable holding structures create optimal thermal contact between the capacitor can and the cooling pathways without requiring any heat conducting paste, thereby eliminating the associated cost while maintaining effective heat dissipation
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
The solution ensures reliable assembly and secure fixation of capacitors, preventing damage from vibrations and optimizing heat transfer, thus enhancing the durability and performance of electrolytic capacitors in high-protective devices.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer between the interior of the electrolytic capacitors and the passed can surface
Implementation Method 2
air-cooled frequency converters and servos
Implementation Method 3
spring plates for vibration damping
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device for encased capacitors used for electric drive engineering. The inventive holding device comprises integrateable and separable lower and top holding parts. Axially protruded retaining clamps are arranged on the top holding part around each encased capacitor. The lower holding part comprises an opening for the respective capacitor and each opening is surrounded with a sealing lip. The retaining clamps are pressed against the capacitors by the internal surface of the lower holding part. Sections protruded from the respective openings of the lower holding part are embodied in the form of the capacitor sections freely extending directly to a cold air flow of a device. The sealing lip is sealingly placed on the external wall of each encased capacitor in such a way that the penetration of solid or liquid materials inside the lower holding part is prohibited, thereby preventing a high IP protection degree.