Gapped Conductors in Alternating Magnetic Fields to Cut Eddy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic components, such as wireless power transfer coils and inductors, face inefficiencies due to eddy currents induced by alternating magnetic fields, leading to power losses and undesirable electromagnetic field distributions, particularly in applications where these components are implanted or in close proximity to humans or animals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of gapped conductors with strategically placed gaps to inhibit complete current loops and reduce eddy currents, achieved by using conductors with high resistance regions or gaps that prevent current flow around the axis, which can be positioned adjacent to or integrated within the windings, and configured to cover a significant portion of the winding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conductors are placed in alternating magnetic fields to enable electromagnetic component operation, then electromagnetic functionality is achieved, but eddy currents are induced causing power losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides continuous conductive materials into segmented structures with intentional gaps. Conductive layers are split into multiple segments arranged in alternating patterns, which interrupts eddy current paths while preserving electromagnetic functionality. This segmentation prevents complete current loops from forming, thereby reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different conductivity characteristics to different regions of the electromagnetic component. By creating zones with varying gap patterns and conductor arrangements, the design optimizes local electromagnetic properties while minimizing eddy currents in specific high-loss regions without compromising overall component performance.
2Loss of energy
If gaps are introduced in conductors to reduce eddy currents, then power losses are reduced, but electromagnetic field distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric gap patterns where conductive layers are segmented in non-uniform arrangements. By strategically placing gaps at specific locations rather than distributing them uniformly, the design reduces eddy currents in critical regions while maintaining electromagnetic field uniformity in other areas, balancing energy loss reduction with field stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional continuous conductor planes to three-dimensional segmented structures with gaps in multiple directions. By introducing gap patterns that extend through the thickness of conductive layers and arranging segments in alternating orientations, the design disrupts eddy current paths in three dimensions while preserving electromagnetic functionality.
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 approach significantly reduces power losses and shapes electromagnetic fields to be more uniform, minimizing eddy currents and electric field strengths near the windings, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of electromagnetic components.
Implementation Method 1
eddy currents induced by alternating magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic fields, including but not limited to wireless power transfer coils, inductors and transformers
Implementation Method 3
The at least one conductor has at least one gap that inhibits current from flowing a full turn through the at least one conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic component includes at least one winding having one or more turns and at least one conductor disposed in a location where the at least one winding produces an alternating magnetic field. The at least one conductor has at least one gap that inhibits current from flowing a full turn through the at least one conductor.