Modular Electrical Device Integrating Transformer Magnetic Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular electrical devices that need to perform multiple functions, such as circuit breaker and differential protection, become bulky due to the high number of components required, leading to size and complexity issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating the annular magnetic circuit of an electric transformer into the connection part of the device, allowing for the inclusion of other bulky components without the need for excessive miniaturization, which simplifies the design and reduces complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional components are arranged inside the device to perform simultaneous functions (circuit breaker and differential protection), then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device becomes bulky and increases in width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoiddevice width
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transformer's magnetic circuit with the connection parts by making the first connection part form the first pole of the magnetic circuit and the second connection part form the second pole. This integration allows the transformer to be embedded within the connection structure rather than occupying separate space, enabling multiple functions (differential protection via transformer and circuit breaker via magnetic trip) while maintaining a compact 2-module width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If the device width is reduced to minimize size, then the device becomes more compact, but the components must be excessively miniaturized which reduces their performance and increases assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice widthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the connection parts with the magnetic circuit poles, the patent eliminates the need for separate transformer components that would require miniaturization. The connection terminals and magnetic circuit share the same structural elements, allowing standard-sized components to be used while maintaining compact dimensions, thus reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the connection part is occupied exclusively by terminals, then the terminal arrangement is simplified, but space is wasted that could be used for other bulky components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal arrangementVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection parts serve dual functions: they provide electrical connection terminals and simultaneously form the poles of the transformer's magnetic circuit. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to fulfill both connection and magnetic circuit requirements, optimizing space utilization without complicating the terminal arrangement.

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

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 results in a more compact, simpler, and economical electrical device that effectively performs multiple functions without compromising component performance or increasing assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the armature or annular magnetic circuit of the electric transformer is arranged in the connection part of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic circuit: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2889893B1Electrical appliance in modular format
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2889893B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2889893B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2889893B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

This is an electrical device in modular format in which at least part of an annular armature (20) of an electrical transformer (18) is located in the existing space, in a left-to-right direction, between a first terminal (12) and a second terminal (12) of one of the lower and upper parts of the device.