Coreless High-Voltage Isolation Transformer for Railway Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high voltage isolation devices for electrical devices connected to high voltage potentials, such as those powered by catenary lines, require large and heavy isolation transformers that occupy significant space, limiting the optimization of the device's interior and increasing mass.

Innovation Solution

A high voltage isolation device utilizing a coreless isolation transformer with primary and secondary inductance means arranged at a fixed distance for magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for a magnetic core and allowing elements insensitive to the magnetic field to occupy the space traditionally used by magnetic material, thereby optimizing the device's layout and reducing mass and volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional isolation transformer with a magnetic core is used, then the isolation function is achieved, but the device occupies large volume and has large mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation functionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the magnetic core from the isolation transformer, retaining only the essential inductance means (primary and secondary coils) that perform the isolation function. This eliminates the bulky magnetic material while maintaining the transformer's core functionality through air-core or fixed-distance coil coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic core structure with a field-based solution where the magnetic coupling is achieved through the spatial arrangement and magnetic field interaction between primary and secondary inductance means without requiring a physical magnetic core structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a conventional isolation transformer with a magnetic core is used, then the isolation function is achieved, but the mass of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation functionVSAvoiddevice mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a magnetic core is used in the isolation transformer, then magnetic coupling is achieved, but the interior space cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic couplingVSAvoidinterior space optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent rearranges the spatial configuration by placing the primary and secondary inductance means at a predetermined fixed distance facing each other, creating a three-dimensional magnetic coupling field that eliminates the need for a physical core structure, thereby freeing up interior space for other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 coreless transformer design frees up space within the device, enabling the accommodation of various elements and improving temperature stability and long-term reliability by eliminating magnetic core-related issues, while allowing for efficient voltage regulation and signal transmission without the need for feedback at the primary resonant circuit.

Implementation Method 1

primary and secondary inductance means arranged facing each other, at a predetermined fixed distance so as to magnetically couple the primary inductance means and the secondary inductance means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetically couple the primary inductance means and the secondary inductance means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2454116B1Device for high-voltage isolation of means for supplying power to electrical device connected to high-voltage potential

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURS

AI summary

A device (40) for high-voltage isolation of a means (30) for supplying power to an electrical device (50) connected to a high-voltage potential comprises an isolation transformer (10) that is suitable for supplying power to the power supply means (30). The isolation transformer (10) is a transformer without a magnetic core and includes a primary inductance means (11a) and a secondary inductance means (11b) that are placed in alignment with each other at a predetermined fixed distance (D) so as to magnetically couple the primary inductance means (11a) and the secondary inductance means (11b), and at least one element (52, 55) that is not sensitive to the magnetic field and that extends through the primary inductance means (11a) and the secondary inductance means (11b). The invention is of particular use on a railway vehicle.