High-Frequency Conductor Segmentation for Skin Effect Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency conductors face inefficiencies due to the skin effect, which limits current transport to the edge area, requiring increased conductor volume for improved conductivity, resulting in high material costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency conductor design with electrically conductive base material segments separated by a resistant etchant material intermediate piece, increasing the ratio of outer and inner surfaces to total volume, allowing more material to participate in current transport while minimizing unused sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conductor volume is increased to improve conductivity, then the conductivity is improved, but the material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple segments separated by intermediate pieces, which allows the conductive material to be distributed more efficiently in space, increasing the effective surface area for current transport without proportionally increasing the total material volume
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor structure transitions from a simple linear arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration with segments positioned at different locations, utilizing spatial dimensions to maximize the effective conductive surface area within a compact volume
2Reliability
If the conductor volume is increased to improve conductivity, then the conductivity is improved, but the material cost increases due to use of precious metals
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conductor and positioning segments strategically, the effective conductive surface area is increased without requiring proportional increases in precious metal material, thus reducing material costs while maintaining conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the conductor segments and their spacing to maximize the skin depth utilization, thereby improving conductivity efficiency per unit volume of precious metal material
3Reliability
If the base material is divided into segments to increase surface area ratio, then the conductivity efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrically conductive intermediate pieces are introduced as mediators to connect the segments, providing both electrical connection and mechanical support, which simplifies the overall structure compared to directly connecting segments
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate pieces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between segments, act as mechanical supports, and define the spatial positioning of segments, thereby reducing the need for additional separate components
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 design enhances conductivity while reducing material costs by optimizing the spatial arrangement of base material, ensuring a larger proportion of the conductor contributes to current transport, thus improving efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the alternating magnetic field generated by the current induces a counter voltage inside the conductor based on Lenz's rule
Implementation Method 2
Alternating current only penetrates the conductor to a skin depth that is dependent on the material and frequency
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-frequency conductor with improved conductivity. The conductor includes at least one electrically conductive base material. According to the invention, the ratio of the outer and inner surfaces of the base material through which a current can flow, is increased by a) dividing the base material perpendicular to the direction of current into at least two segments which are separated by an electrically conductive spacer and are electrically and mechanically interconnected, and/or b) topographical structures in or on the surface of the base material, and/or c) an inner porosity of at least one part of the base material compared to a shaping of the base material in which the respective feature has been omitted. It has been recognised that, by means of these measures relating to shaping, the same quantity of base material can be spatially arranged such that a larger proportion of the base material is located at a distance of at most the skin depth of an outer or inner surface, and thus is part of the flow of current. Thus a smaller amount remains unused on the basis of the skin effect.