Non-conductive Yoke Clamp Bracket for Transformer Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Distribution transformers face challenges in minimizing stray losses and weight due to metallic structural components, which increase costs and risk of failure, especially when mounted on utility poles.
Innovation Solution
A yoke clamp bracket constructed from a lightweight, non-conductive material such as wood or wood composites is used to reduce stray losses and weight, featuring center holes, vertical and horizontal slots for secure attachment and support, and coil barrier slots to minimize eddy currents and allow higher current densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic structural components such as mild steel core clamps are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but stray losses and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conductive metal to non-conductive material, fundamentally altering the electrical properties of the clamping structure. This eliminates eddy current losses while maintaining mechanical functionality through design adaptations such as reinforced slot structures and proper mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining non-conductive material with metallic fasteners or mounting hardware. The main body is made from non-conductive material to eliminate stray losses, while separate metallic components provide necessary structural support and attachment points, creating a hybrid solution that addresses both requirements.
2Strength
If metallic structural components such as mild steel core clamps are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but transformer weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the clamping structure by substituting high-density metallic materials with low-density non-conductive materials. This material substitution directly reduces the weight of the clamping structure while maintaining its structural integrity through optimized design of the slot patterns and wall thicknesses.
3Loss of energy
If non-conductive material is used for the body portion, then stray losses are reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamping structure into functional segments: the main body made from non-conductive material for loss reduction, and separate metallic fasteners or mounting components for structural attachment. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates reinforcement features directly into the non-conductive material during manufacturing, such as integrated mounting protrusions, strengthened slot edges, and optimized wall thickness distributions. These preliminary structural enhancements are built into the design to compensate for the inherently lower strength of non-conductive materials before assembly occurs.
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 use of non-conductive yoke clamp brackets reduces stray losses, lowers transformer weight, and decreases material and installation costs, enabling more efficient and cost-effective distribution transformer designs.
Implementation Method 1
the body portion is constructed from a substantially rigid, lightweight, and non-conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke clamp bracket for a transformer core. The yoke clamp bracket may comprise a body portion having a plurality of center holes near each end, a plurality of slots for coil barriers, a plurality of slots for wiring, and attachment points for side brackets and vertical supports. The yoke clamp bracket may be mounted to a transformer core by connectors extending through the plurality of center holes. The yoke clamp bracket may be constructed from a lightweight material with low density such that it displaces a larger quantity of tank oil and reduces the weight of a distribution transformer.