Modular Electronic System With Integrated Housing Transformer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in achieving a compact design with good insulation and voltage resistance, particularly in hazardous areas, while also requiring a space-saving power supply and electrical isolation from the energy source.

Innovation Solution

A modular electronic system with a transformer-based design, where the primary coil is integrated into the housing and the secondary coil is on a printed circuit board, enabling contact-free energy and signal transmission through inductive or capacitive coupling, allowing for galvanic isolation and reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional power supply methods with direct electrical connections are used, then reliable energy supply is achieved, but galvanic isolation and voltage resistance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidisolation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical direct connection system with an electromagnetic field-based energy transmission system. The primary coil in the housing and secondary coil in the printed circuit board create an electromagnetic coupling that transfers energy without galvanic contact, eliminating the need for complex isolation structures while maintaining reliable energy supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the electronic components. The electromagnetic field mediates energy transfer across the insulation barrier, allowing galvanic isolation to be maintained while ensuring reliable energy transmission to the printed circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If compact design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but insulation and voltage resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidinsulation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the housing structure with the energy transmission function by integrating the primary coil directly into the housing wall. This combination eliminates the need for separate insulation components and connection structures, achieving compact design while maintaining adequate insulation through the inherent properties of the housing material and the electromagnetic coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If transformer-based contact-free energy transmission is used, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidtransformer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the energy transmission system into two independent parts: the primary coil integrated into the housing and the secondary coil integrated into the printed circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for a complete transformer assembly, achieving galvanic isolation with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution achieves space and cost savings, ensures galvanic isolation of electronic components, and simplifies energy supply while maintaining efficient energy and signal transmission, suitable for compact and potentially explosive environments.

Implementation Method 1

with the primary coil (11) integrated into the housing (10) and the secondary coil (21) on a printed circuit board (2) enabling contact-free energy and signal transmission through inductive or capacitive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A transformer with at least one primary and at least one secondary coil for the electromagnetic transmission of electrical energy, comprising the energy supply and possibly also a data signal to the electronic circuit coupled to the secondary coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic isolation:

Data Source

PatentEP2912778B1Modular electronic system and bus subscriber

Publication Date: 2019.06.26 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a modular electronic system for receiving, processing, or forwarding information. Devices (1), comprising a housing (10) having flat, electromagnetically active transmission elements (11, 12) in or on an insulating housing wall (15) and comprising at least one circuit board (2) having flat, electromagnetically active transmission elements (21, 22) and having electronic components (20).