Low-Profile Transformer With Angled Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional above-ground residential transformers are unattractive, while fully below-ground installations are costly and inefficient due to increased cooling requirements, necessitating a solution that reduces visibility while maintaining benefits of above-ground installations.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile transformer design with an outer cabinet installed partially below ground and an inner tank positioned partially above ground, featuring terminals angled upward to reduce visibility and protect against flooding, along with a movable hood for access and a fluid-proof inner tank for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transformer is installed above ground level, then installation cost is reduced and cooling efficiency is improved, but visibility and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer installation is segmented into two parts: the outer cabinet is installed below ground level to reduce visibility, while the inner tank with active components remains above ground for efficient cooling and access. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve aesthetic concealment and functional efficiency.
2Shape
If the transformer is installed fully below ground level, then visibility is reduced, but installation cost and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than installing the entire transformer below ground, the design segments the installation so that only the outer cabinet is below ground while the inner tank remains above ground. This eliminates the need for expensive below-ground cooling infrastructure while achieving visibility reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully installing the transformer below ground (excessive action), the design applies partial action by positioning only the outer cabinet below ground level, achieving sufficient visibility reduction without the full cost and complexity of complete below-ground installation.
3Shape
If the transformer is installed fully below ground level, then visibility is reduced, but cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the transformer into below-ground outer cabinet and above-ground inner tank allows the active components to remain in the cooler above-ground environment, maintaining efficient heat dissipation without requiring extensive below-ground cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the transformer are positioned in different locations with different thermal characteristics: the outer cabinet below ground provides concealment, while the inner tank above ground provides access to cooler air for efficient cooling of the active components.
4Ease of operation
If terminals are positioned vertically upward, then access is simplified, but flooding risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminals are positioned at an asymmetric angle (inclined upward rather than vertically), which provides sufficient access for maintenance while reducing the direct exposure to flooding. The angled positioning creates a geometry that is less susceptible to water ingress while maintaining operational accessibility.
5Shape
If the outer cabinet is installed below ground level, then visibility is reduced, but access to components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the transformer system allows the outer cabinet to be below ground for visibility reduction while the inner tank with active components remains above ground, ensuring that the components requiring access are easily reachable while the outer structure provides aesthetic concealment.
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 design significantly reduces transformer visibility by more than 50% while maintaining ease of access and effective cooling, protecting against environmental hazards and reducing costs compared to fully below-ground installations.
Implementation Method 1
the inner tank housing configured to be substantially fluid proof
Implementation Method 2
the active part includes a transformer circuit configured to transform a first electrical current having a first voltage to a second electrical current having a second voltage
Implementation Method 3
The inner tank is configured to receive a volume of oil therein to cool the active part
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer includes an outer cabinet and an inner tank. The outer cabinet includes a base configured to be installed below ground level, a housing wall configured to be installed at least partially below ground level, and a sill coupled to the housing wall and configured to be installed above ground level. The sill includes a top access opening between an interior space of the outer cabinet and an exterior of the outer cabinet. The inner tank is disposed on the base at least partially below ground level and includes an active part including a transformer circuit. The inner tank includes a plurality of terminals electrically coupled to the active part, each terminal extending from the inner tank into the interior space of the outer cabinet along a respective terminal axis that passes through the top access opening at a respective upward angle with respect to ground level.