HVDC Distribution Panel With Reconfigurable Contactor Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power distribution systems in aircraft are bulky and require significant mass and volume due to their non-modular, fixed configurations, limiting adaptability to different power distribution requirements.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage DC electrical distribution plate with integrated electromechanical contactors, allowing two orthogonal orientations for parallel or series configurations, optimizing mass and volume by integrating components and enabling modular adaptation to various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration power distribution units are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different power distribution requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit is divided into modular contactor assemblies that can be independently configured. Each assembly contains contactors, motors, and terminal chambers that can be arranged in different orientations (orthogonal positions) to create parallel or series configurations, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for different applications without redesigning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The contactor assemblies can be positioned in different orthogonal orientations and connected in parallel or series arrangements, enabling the power distribution unit to adapt its electrical configuration dynamically based on operational requirements while maintaining a mechanically integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular approach with standard building blocks is used, then adaptability improves, but mass and volume increase due to superfluous components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (contactors, motors, terminal chambers, and support structures) are merged into a single mechanically integrated plate structure. The contactor assemblies are mounted directly on the plate with their terminals accessible through chambers in the plate, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, additional support structures, and redundant connection elements that would increase mass and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses terminal chambers, mounts contactor assemblies, and enables electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall mass and volume while maintaining modular adaptability.
3Reliability
If electromechanical contactors are used, then galvanic isolation and low impedance are achieved, but device mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contactors, motors for actuating the contactors, and terminal chambers are merged into integrated assemblies mounted on a common plate. This integration reduces the overall device mass compared to having separate discrete components, while maintaining the reliability benefits of electromechanical contactors including galvanic isolation and low impedance characteristics.
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 solution reduces mass and volume while enhancing adaptability, making it suitable for diverse power distribution needs, including precharging functions, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
each complementary contactor assembly including a motor intended to activate the contact terminals of the contactor in question
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage DC electrical distribution plate with two integrated electromechanical power contactors. Chambers of fixed and movable contact terminals of the two contactors are disposed on a first of the major surfaces of the plate, while on the second major surface of the plate are disposed complementary assemblies of the two contactors, each complementary assembly including a motor intended to activate the contact terminals of the contactor in question. The other components disposed on the second major surface of the plate leave a free space constituting an area of attachment of the complementary assemblies of the two contactors, this area being dimensioned to allow the arrangement of the complementary assemblies of the contactors in two orthogonal orientations allowing the motors to activate contact terminals of different sub-assemblies of the contact chambers and thus to make the parallel or series configurations of the contactors.