Dual Core Heating Element Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-voltage electric heating element assemblies face challenges in dielectric insulation, particularly at interfaces, leading to potential dielectric breakdown and arcing, which can damage the resistive wire and impair heating functionality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual core structure with staggered inner and outer core segments and a groove-and-notch interface, along with a bushing that creates a stepped interface, prevents axial rotation and reduces the likelihood of dielectric breakdown and arcing by offsetting compromised regions and maintaining the integrity of the resistive wire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single row of longitudinally-arranged dielectric cores is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but dielectric breakdown and arcing occur at interfaces between adjacent cores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric core structureVSAvoiddielectric insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested dual-core structure where an inner dielectric core is positioned within an outer dielectric core. This nesting arrangement provides redundant dielectric insulation pathways, preventing arcing between adjacent core segments while maintaining structural organization. The inner core segments are staggered relative to outer core segments, creating offset interfaces that eliminate continuous arcing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-row linear arrangement to a two-dimensional nested configuration with inner and outer cores. This dimensional expansion creates multiple dielectric insulation layers and staggered interfaces, adding spatial complexity that prevents direct arcing paths while improving overall insulation reliability at medium voltages.

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

2Ease of operation

If terminal bushing is positioned against dielectric core, then electrical connection is achieved, but dielectric breakdown occurs at the interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoiddielectric insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a stepped interface between the terminal bushing and the nested dual-core structure, transitioning from a single-plane contact to a multi-level configuration. This stepped arrangement extends the dielectric insulation path in the axial dimension, preventing direct arcing between the bushing and core segments while maintaining electrical connectivity.

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

3Power

If higher voltage is applied, then heating capacity is improved, but dielectric breakdown and arcing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoiddielectric insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nested dual-core structure provides multiple concentric dielectric insulation layers that can withstand higher voltage stresses. The inner and outer cores create redundant insulation pathways, allowing the system to operate at medium voltages up to 38,000 volts without dielectric breakdown, thereby enabling higher heating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By expanding from a single-row to a nested two-dimensional core arrangement, the patent increases the dielectric insulation path length and creates staggered interfaces that prevent arcing. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to safely handle higher voltages and corresponding heating capacities.

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

This configuration effectively reduces the risk of dielectric breakdown and arcing, ensuring reliable operation at medium voltages up to 38,000 volts and maintaining the integrity of the resistive wire, thus enhancing the heating element's performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

Voltage is supplied to the conductor pin to generate heat in the electrical resistance coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The dielectric core can be comprised of boron nitride (BN), aluminum oxide (AIO), and/or magnesium oxide (MgO)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2974525B1Medium voltage heating element assembly
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 CHROMALOX INC
  • EP2974525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974525B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A medium-voltage heating element assembly. The medium-voltage heating element assembly can include a dual core having an inner core and an outer core. Segments comprising the inner core and the outer core can be staggered. Furthermore, the dual core can include a notch-and-groove interface to prevent axial rotation of the inner core and/or inner core segments relative to the outer core and/or outer core segments. A bushing of the heating element assembly can include a stepped region, and the bushing can interface with the dual core along the stepped region.