Electronic Transformer Circuit Topology for Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transformers are heavy, difficult to handle, and require large attachment spaces, while high-frequency transformers face issues with parasitic capacitance and magnetic field leakage, necessitating a more compact and lightweight solution for both AC and DC power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A transformer design comprising a front stage circuit with a switch series unit and capacitors, and a rear stage circuit with semiconductor elements and inductors, eliminating the need for coils and iron cores, allowing for size and weight reduction and addressing parasitic capacitance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional pole transformer with thick coil and iron core is used, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the transformer becomes heavy and requires large attachment space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electromagnetic system (iron core and coil) with an electronic circuit system consisting of switching elements, capacitors, and inductors. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy magnetic components while achieving the same voltage transformation function through electronic switching and energy storage elements, directly resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and voltage transformation capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a high-frequency transformer is used, then size is reduced, but parasitic capacitance and magnetic field leakage issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-frequency transformer with an electronic circuit topology that uses switching elements and energy storage components. This substitution eliminates the magnetic core and windings that generate parasitic capacitance and magnetic field leakage, while achieving compact size through the integration of electronic components rather than bulky magnetic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-frequency switching of electronic components instead of traditional low-frequency electromagnetic transformation. This parameter change allows for smaller component sizes while avoiding the parasitic effects associated with high-frequency magnetic transformers, as the electronic switching circuitry handles the frequency conversion without magnetic fields.
3Device complexity
If a conventional transformer with coil and iron core is used, then electromagnetic induction is achieved, but the device becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical assembly of iron core and coil windings with a simpler electronic circuit consisting of switching elements, capacitors, and inductors. This substitution reduces both the structural complexity and weight, as electronic components can be integrated on circuit boards or in compact housings rather than requiring large magnetic assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage transformation function into discrete electronic operations: switching elements control energy transfer timing, capacitors store and release energy, and inductors manage current flow. This segmentation replaces the monolithic iron core-coil structure with modular electronic components that are easier to design, assemble, and maintain, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A transformer includes, as a front stage circuit, a switch series unit and capacitors. The switch series unit includes odd-numbered switches and even-numbered switches configured to be alternately turned ON, and is, as a whole, connected in parallel to a power supply. Assuming that mutual connection points of the respective switches and points at both ends of the switch series unit are regarded as m nodes in total, the capacitors are provided on at least one electrical path of a first electrical path that combines odd nodes and leads the odd nodes to a first output port, and a second electrical path that combines even nodes and leads the even nodes to a second output port. The capacitors are present so as to correspond to at least (m - 1) nodes. The transformer includes, as a rear stage circuit, an element series unit and inductors. The element series unit is composed of a pair of semiconductor elements that are connected in series to each other and perform conducting operations of mutually opposite polarities. One of both ends of the element series unit is connected to the first output port while the other end thereof is connected to the second output port. The inductors are provided on at least one electrical path of a third electrical path that combines two nodes that are points at the both ends of the element series unit, and leads the two nodes to one of both ends of the load, and a fourth electrical path that leads one node that is a mutual connection point of the pair of semiconductor elements to the other end of the load. The inductors are present so as to correspond to at least two nodes of the three nodes in total.