Modular Pre-Charge Circuit for Motor Drive Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pre-charge circuitry for motor drive systems is inefficient in terms of space usage and maintenance, as components are typically mounted on a flat array, making it difficult to replace and service them effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular structure for the pre-charge circuitry that allows for easy access and interchangeability, incorporating automatic and manual switches, fuses, and a pre-charge control circuitry to manage current and voltage, enabling efficient charging of capacitors and minimizing in-rush currents during start-up.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If components of the pre-charge circuit are mounted on a flat array, then the device structure is simple, but the space utilization is poor and component replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-charge circuit is divided into modular components (pre-charge resistor module, contactor module, control circuit module) that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each module is mounted on separate circuit boards or functional carriers, allowing targeted maintenance without disassembling the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a two-dimensional flat array layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple layers and vertical arrangement. This allows components to be positioned at different heights and depths, improving accessibility while maintaining compact overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If components are mounted on a flat array, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but maintenance time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing straightforwardnessVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-charge circuit is divided into modular components (pre-charge resistor module, contactor module, control circuit module) that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each module is mounted on separate circuit boards or functional carriers, allowing targeted maintenance without disassembling the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design with standardized connectors and mounting structures is prepared in advance during manufacturing, enabling quick plug-and-play replacement during maintenance. This preliminary structuring of modular interfaces significantly reduces maintenance time and improves service productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of repair

If a modular structure is implemented for easy component replacement, then maintenance efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent interchangeabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-charge circuit is divided into modular components (pre-charge resistor module, contactor module, control circuit module) that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each module is mounted on separate circuit boards or functional carriers, allowing targeted maintenance without disassembling the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design uses standardized mounting structures, connectors, and interfaces that can accommodate different component types. This universality allows the same structural framework to support various modules, reducing overall system complexity despite the modular architecture.

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 modular design enhances maintenance efficiency, reduces down-time, and maintains high power density by allowing quick replacement of components and efficient management of in-rush currents, thereby protecting the motor drive system components from damage.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-charge circuit 40 that may control current provided to capacitors (38) on a direct current (DC) bus (32) of the motor drive system during start-up

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2871922B1Industrial automation device and method
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP2871922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2871922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2871922B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for coupling a direct current (DC) pre-charging circuit to a motor drive. In one embodiment, an industrial automation device may include an enclosed module that may include a pre-charge circuit. The pre-charge circuit may pre-charge a direct current (DC) bus. Further, the DC bus may couple to an inverter. The enclosed module may also include a power input that may couple the pre-charge circuit to a DC power source and an electrical output structure that may couple the pre-charge circuit to the inverter. Additionally, the pre-charge circuit may be removeably coupled to the inverter and the DC power source via a sliding action of the enclosed module.