Modular Conductor Support with Segmented Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular systems for holding electrical conductors face challenges in balancing mechanical stress absorption with electrical insulation, leading to suboptimal leakage current behavior and mechanical requirements.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a base plate that is minimally subjected to mechanical stress, allowing for the use of materials with superior electrical insulation properties, combined with a holder and connecting means made from insulating materials like plastic, ceramic, or glass, and featuring tapering through-holes to manage forces and prevent current loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the holder is made of a material that meets mechanical requirements (force absorption), then mechanical strength is improved, but electrical insulation properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidelectrical insulation properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two functional parts: a holder (mount) that absorbs mechanical forces and a base plate that provides electrical insulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are used for different parts of the system based on local requirements. The holder uses materials optimized for mechanical strength while the base plate uses materials with superior electrical insulation properties, matching material properties to functional demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the holder material is optimized for electrical insulation, then tracking resistance is improved, but mechanical strength to absorb electromagnetic forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking resistanceVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the mechanical support function (holder) from the electrical insulation function (base plate), allowing each component to be optimized for its primary function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite construction with the holder made of mechanically strong insulating material and the base plate made of material with superior electrical insulation properties, creating a composite structure that achieves both mechanical strength and electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If connecting means are made of conductive material, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but current loops and induced circulating currents are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinduced circulating currents
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating intermediary material is introduced as the connecting means between the holder and base plate. This intermediary provides both mechanical connection and electrical isolation, eliminating current loops while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting means uses composite or specialized insulating materials that provide both mechanical strength for connection and electrical insulation properties to prevent circulating currents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Force

If the holder is designed to absorb high electromagnetic forces, then force absorption is improved, but electrical insulation properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorptionVSAvoidelectrical insulation properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides force absorption functionality between the holder (primary mechanical support) and the base plate (electrical insulation with minimal mechanical stress), allowing optimization of each component for its primary role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is positioned and designed to experience minimal mechanical stress, allowing it to be optimized for electrical insulation properties while the holder absorbs the bulk of electromagnetic forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Improves tracking resistance and reduces system size while preventing undesirable induced currents, enhancing the handling of high forces and electromagnetic interactions within the system.

Implementation Method 1

a base plate 4, which consists of a material that has better insulating properties than the mount 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

Plastic, ceramic and/or glass, for example, can be used as the material for the holder and the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

the through-holes for the electrical conductors taper in their longitudinal direction from both sides towards the middle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution: Stress Relaxation

Implementation Method 4

the first and/or second connecting means are in the form of screws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 5

a cover plate 6 that extends over one mount or more mounts 2 and is made of an insulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2982016B1Modular support for electrical conductor
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP2982016B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2982016B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular system (1) for holding a number of electric conductors (10), said system comprising an electrically insulating holder (2) with a number of through-holes (3) spaced at a distance from one another for allowing the passage of said electric conductors (10). In addition, the modular system (1) comprises a base plate (4) consisting of a material with better insulating properties than the holder (2), and comprises first means (5, 9) for connecting the holder (2) to the base plate (4).