Capacitor Fastening via Wedging and Retaining Collars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cylindrical capacitors are difficult to fasten due to their geometry lacking fastening features, and existing methods are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring multiple mounting directions and parts, leading to wasted space and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The capacitor fastening method employs wedging pins in the panel and corresponding holes in the tightening plate, along with cross-tightening cellular plates that radially secure the capacitor, eliminating the need for bottom screws and allowing one-directional mounting, utilizing curved collars and recesses for retention and screw fastening as a tightening mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening methods (bolts, bands, clips) are used for cylindrical capacitors, then the capacitor can be fastened to the panel, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring multiple directions and parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional elements: retaining means (curved collars) that prevent lateral movement, wedging means (wedging pins and holes) that provide axial tightening, and a tightening plate. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall mounting complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional multi-directional fastening to a primarily axial fastening approach. The retaining means prevent lateral movement while the wedging means operate in the axial direction, allowing mounting to be performed from one direction without requiring the assembly to be turned around, thereby reducing mounting complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening methods with multiple parts are used, then the capacitor can be securely fastened, but the mounting space volume is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidmounting space volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means and fastening functions are merged into an integrated system. The curved collars of the retaining means not only prevent lateral movement but also work in conjunction with the wedging means to provide secure axial fastening. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening parts, reducing mounting space volume while maintaining fastening security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tightening plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the wedging means, acts as a structural support element, and facilitates the axial tightening of the capacitor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing the volume of mounting space required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If capacitors with bottom screws are used, then the capacitor can be fastened securely, but the number of parts increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the bottom screw feature from the capacitor design. Instead of modifying the capacitor with bottom screws, the fastening function is achieved through the panel-mounted retaining means and wedging means. This extraction reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall system while maintaining fastening security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor itself serves as part of the fastening system through its cylindrical geometry, which works with the curved collars of the retaining means. The capacitor's own structure provides the interface for fastening without requiring additional fastening features like bottom screws, thereby reducing the number of parts needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution reduces the number of parts needed, streamlines the mounting process, optimizes space usage, and allows for increased capacitance without additional cost, enabling a 20% volume increase with fewer capacitors or higher capacitance at the same cost.

Implementation Method 1

wedging means between the panel and the tightening plate tightening the capacitor in place between the panel and the plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedging: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

the panel retaining means are preferably formed of a curved collar corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP2592637B1Capacitor fastening
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2592637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2592637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to capacitor fastening for fastening a capacitor (1) to a panel (2), whereby the capacitor, when mounted in place, is positioned in the panel, fastened at its lower part. The capacitor fastening comprises retaining means (3) in the panel (2) at the mounting point of the capacitor (1) for preventing lateral movement of the capacitor in at least one selected direction; a tightening plate (4) arranged above the panel (2) and to be fastened to the panel, which tightening plate has a hole (5) substantially corresponding to the diameter of the capacitor above the mounting point of the panel; and wedging means (7, 8) between the panel (2) and the tightening plate (4) for tightening the retaining means of the panel and the edge of the hole in the tightening plate from opposite directions against the capacitor.