Inductor Bracket Venting Structure for Perpendicular Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fixing inductors in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) do not allow the inductor's axis to be perpendicular to the mounting surface, limiting installation options and potentially compromising stability and heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A bracket comprising a base, top cover, and coupling means, with axial venting passages and interposed coupling arms, allows the inductor to be securely fastened perpendicular to the mounting surface, preventing displacement and rotation, while facilitating assembly and heat dissipation through hollow designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the inductor is fixed using conventional methods (welding on PCB or hanging on chassis side), then the inductor can be mounted on the surface, but the inductor's first axis must be parallel to the mounting surface, limiting installation orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductor mounting orientationVSAvoidbracket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional parallel mounting to perpendicular mounting by changing the spatial dimension of the inductor's first axis relative to the mounting surface. The bracket structure enables the inductor to be mounted with its first axis perpendicular to the mounting surface, utilizing the vertical dimension for heat dissipation and establishing a new spatial configuration that resolves the orientation limitation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion for mounting on the chassis, a body portion for accommodating the inductor, and a cover portion for securing the inductor. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving the perpendicular mounting configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If the inductor is mounted with its first axis parallel to the mounting surface as in prior arts, then the mounting method is simple, but the heat dissipation efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidmounting simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the inductor's first axis from parallel to perpendicular relative to the mounting surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize heat dissipation. This dimensional change allows heat to dissipate more effectively from the top surface of the inductor, which would be less accessible in parallel mounting configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the inductor, enables perpendicular mounting orientation, facilitates heat dissipation through the vertical configuration, and ensures electrical insulation between the inductor and chassis. This multi-functionality addresses both heat dissipation and mounting simplicity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the inductor is secured with tight coupling to prevent displacement, then the mounting stability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductor mounting stabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket employs a dynamic assembly mechanism where the cover portion can be selectively removed or detached from the base and body portions. During assembly, the cover is removed to allow inductor insertion, then reattached to secure the inductor. This dynamic approach enables tight securing for stability during operation while facilitating easy disassembly for maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is segmented into removable portions (cover) and fixed portions (base and body). The cover portion can be detached to access the inductor for assembly or disassembly, while the base remains fixed to the chassis. This segmentation provides stability during operation while enabling ease of repair when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230317344A1Bracket for holding the inductor
Publication Date: 2023.10.05 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • US20230317344A1 patent drawing
  • US20230317344A1 patent drawing
  • US20230317344A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a bracket for holding an inductor, which inductor comprises a toroidal magnetic core including a first axis and a coil including a plurality of wires wound onto the toroidal magnetic core. The bracket comprises a base, a top cover and a coupling means. The base includes a lower base plate and fastening parts, the lower base plate has lower venting passage, and the lower base plate is configurable to attach to an installation surface extending perpendicular to the first axis via the fastening part and fastening means. The top cover includes an upper base plate. At least one upper venting passage is axially opened through the upper base plate. The top cover can be connected to the base by means of the coupling means such that the upper base plat is arranged coaxially with respect to the lower base plate. The axial spacing between the upper base plate and the lower base plate is designed to accommodate the inductor within a space surrounded by the upper base plate, the lower base plate and the coupling means. The bracket with the above configurations could attach the inductor to the installation surface perpendicular to the first axis L.