Compensated Bus Bar Assembly for Power Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar arrangements face challenges in minimizing current forces between conductor structures, particularly during short circuits, while also requiring efficient use of installation space and preventing unwanted deformation.

Innovation Solution

A busbar arrangement is designed by separating a first conductor structure into two elements, with a second conductor structure, where the elements are not directly electrically connected, allowing for current force compensation through Lorentz forces, and using spacers and mechanical connections to maintain distances and absorb forces, ensuring stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conductor structures are placed close together to save installation space, then space utilization is improved, but current forces between conductors increase during short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcurrent force
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The first conductor structure is divided into two separate conductor structure elements. These elements are arranged relative to the second conductor structure such that current forces acting on the second conductor structure are minimized through compensation effects, while maintaining compact installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor structure elements are designed with asymmetric arrangement where the first conductor structure element is positioned at a first distance from the second conductor structure, and the second conductor structure element is positioned at a second distance, creating different magnetic field interactions that result in force compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If conductor structures are rigidly connected to maintain stability, then structural stability is improved, but unwanted deformation is prevented while allowing force absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddeformation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A spacer is pre-positioned between the conductor structure elements to maintain predetermined distances. This spacer acts as a cushioning element that absorbs current forces during short circuits, preventing unwanted deformation while maintaining structural stability through mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If direct electrical connection is made between first and second conductor structures, then electrical connectivity is improved, but current forces acting between them increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidcurrent force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

An additional electrical connection is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second conductor structures. This intermediary connection path allows electrical current to flow while the spatial arrangement of conductor structure elements compensates for current forces, reducing the direct force interaction between the main conductor structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces current forces between conductor structures, prevents deformation, and allows for efficient use of space, enabling safe and reliable electrical contacting of power electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for current force compensation through Lorentz forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2923422B1Bus bar assembly and method for producing a bus bar assembly
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP2923422B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP2923422B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP2923422B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a bus bar assembly, in particular for connecting power electronic semiconductor components, wherein the bus bar assembly comprises a first conductor structure and a second conductor structure, wherein the first conductor structure and the second conductor structure are not directly electrically connected, wherein the first conductor structure comprises a first partial conductor structure and a second partial conductor structure, wherein the first partial conductor structure and the second partial conductor structure are electrically connected, wherein the first and the second partial conductor structure are designed and arranged in relation to the second conductor structure in such a way that a first current force between the first partial conductor structure and the second conductor structure at least partially compensates a second current force between the second partial conductor structure and the second conductor structure. The invention further relates to a method for producing a bus bar assembly.