Common Mode Inductor with Sensor Windings for Signal Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods in power inverter systems are costly and energy inefficient, and they fail to effectively suppress common mode noise while transmitting differential mode signals.

Innovation Solution

A common mode inductor system with additional sensor windings that measure differential mode communication signals within the existing power line infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and sensing devices, and allowing for simultaneous suppression of common mode noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate communication channels and sensing devices are used, then communication signal transmission is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication signal transmissionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The common mode inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it suppresses common mode noise while simultaneously enabling differential mode communication signal transmission and measurement through additional sensor windings. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate communication channels and sensing devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the noise suppression function and communication signal measurement function into a single common mode inductor component. By integrating sensor windings into the existing inductor structure, the solution merges previously separate functions (noise filtering and signal sensing) into one unified component, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensing devices and communication channels are added, then signal measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal measurement capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The common mode inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it suppresses common mode noise while simultaneously enabling differential mode communication signal transmission and measurement through additional sensor windings. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate communication channels and sensing devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the noise suppression function and communication signal measurement function into a single common mode inductor component. By integrating sensor windings into the existing inductor structure, the solution merges previously separate functions (noise filtering and signal sensing) into one unified component, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If conventional communication methods are used in power inverter systems, then information transfer is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transferVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing power line infrastructure and common mode inductor components to simultaneously perform noise suppression and communication signal measurement. By leveraging existing components for dual purposes, the solution eliminates the need for additional active communication devices that would consume extra energy, achieving energy-efficient information transfer

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 enables efficient transmission and measurement of differential mode signals, reducing costs and energy consumption while effectively suppressing common mode noise, and allows for real-time monitoring and control of power inverter systems.

Implementation Method 1

a differential signal, which could be understood as a signal with different signs in the first winding and the second winding, the fields may to a large extend cancel each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the third and fourth windings may be inductively coupled to the first and second windings, respectively, so as to provide a transforming effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a common mode signal may be understood as a signal having the same sign in both the first winding and the second winding. The fields generated by such a signal may add in the core the inductor which consequently may act as a high impedance component blocking or attenuating the signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field addition: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3378070B1Common mode inductor and method for measuring a differential mode communication signal in a common mode inductor
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 MARICI HLDG THE NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP3378070B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3378070B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3378070B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A common mode inductor (10) for suppression of common mode noise and transmission of a differential signal is disclosed. The inductor comprises a core (15) with a first and second winding(11, 12), wherein the first winding and the second winding forms a pair of conductors arranged to convey a differential communication signal. Further, a third and fourth winding (13, 14) is arranged to extend along at least a portion of the first and second winding, respectively. The third winding and the fourth winding may be locally inductively coupled to the first winding and the second winding, respectively. Moreover, the third winding and the fourth winding are connected in series with each other so that differential signal on the first and second windings transformed to the third and fourth winding maybe added to each other. The third and fourth winding may hence provide a sensor signal induced by the differential communication signal in the first winding and the second winding. A system (100) comprising the common mode inductor and a method for measuring a differential signal in said inductor is also disclosed.