Linear Transformer Core Flux Control via Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic devices face challenges in controlling magnetic flux levels effectively, particularly in transformer configurations, which can lead to damage from high voltage and current surges, and inefficiencies in energy transfer due to varying magnetic resistance.

Innovation Solution

A linear transformer design with a magnetic core flux sensor assembly and core flux control system that adjusts electrical current through the primary winding to control magnetic flux levels, using a core flux sensor to detect flux levels and a core flux control device to adjust current flow, ensuring efficient energy transfer and minimizing copper losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If current in the magnetic core increases to store more energy, then energy storage increases, but the device becomes vulnerable to high voltage and current surges that can damage the load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storageVSAvoidvoltage and current surges
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actual magnetic flux level in the core and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller adjusts the current supplied to the primary winding to maintain the magnetic flux at a predetermined safe level, preventing over-saturation and protecting against voltage surges while allowing optimal energy storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the electrical parameters (current, voltage) supplied to the primary winding based on the detected magnetic flux level. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes energy storage while preventing harmful surge conditions, resolving the contradiction between maximizing energy storage and preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic flux level varies due to changing current or voltage from the power source, then energy transfer adapts to load conditions, but control over magnetic flux becomes difficult leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer adaptationVSAvoidmagnetic flux control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the magnetic flux level and automatically adjusts the primary winding current to maintain the flux at the predetermined level. This eliminates the difficulty of manual control while preserving adaptability, as the system automatically responds to changing load conditions and power source variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation by using the sensor to detect flux levels and automatically adjusting the current without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains optimal magnetic flux control while adapting to varying operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a compensation winding arrangement is added to control magnetic flux, then flux control capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic flux control capabilityVSAvoidtransformer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element that detects magnetic flux levels and provides feedback to the controller. This intermediary enables precise flux control without requiring complex compensation winding arrangements, as the sensor-based feedback system achieves control with simpler structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves highly efficient energy transfer with low copper losses, reduced volume and weight, and effective control of magnetic flux, preventing damage from voltage surges while maintaining a predetermined magnetic flux level.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic flux sensor to detect a magnetic flux level in the magnetic core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic flux flow may be generated in response to an electrical current flowing through a conductor winding associated with the magnetic core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2838093B1Transformer core flux control for power management
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2838093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2838093B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electromagnetic device may include a magnetic flux core and an opening through the magnetic flux core. A conductor winding may be received in the opening and extend through the magnetic flux core. An electrical current flowing through the conductor winding generates a magnetic field about the conductor winding and a magnetic flux flow about the opening in the magnetic flux core. The electromagnetic device may also include a core flux sensor arrangement to detect a magnetic flux level in the magnetic flux core. The electromagnetic device may additionally include a core flux control system configured to adjust the electrical current flowing through the conductor winding to control the magnetic flux level in the magnetic flux core.