Power Conversion Device Modular Housing Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power conversion devices for electric rolling stock require a configuration that allows easy access to internal components regardless of their placement position, as the position of inspection doors varies depending on the installation location, necessitating different internal configurations.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device with a housing that allows the power unit to be accessed through both an upper door and a side door, featuring a guide rail for perpendicular movement and protrusions for guiding the power converter, enabling the same configuration to be used for both floor and roof installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the inspection door position is changed according to placement position, then the power conversion device can be accessed from the appropriate side, but the internal configuration and device arrangements must be changed for each placement position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to internal componentsVSAvoidinternal configuration variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion device is designed with a universal internal configuration that can be accessed from either the upper surface or side surface. The housing structure includes both an upper door and side doors, allowing the same device to be installed in different positions (floor or roof) without requiring different internal arrangements. This multi-functional access design eliminates the need to change internal configuration based on placement position.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the power conversion device is installed on the roof, then it is exposed to higher temperatures and greater temperature differences, but the existing housing structure may not provide adequate protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation position flexibilityVSAvoidtemperature exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with thermal insulation and heat dissipation structures that are built in advance to protect against the harmful effects of high temperature exposure. The housing material and structure are selected to withstand temperature differences and thermal stress that occur during roof installation, providing beforehand protection against thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of repair

If the power converter and filter capacitor part are detachably connected, then maintenance becomes easier, but the connection stability and electrical performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion device is segmented into modular components - the power converter and filter capacitor part are detachably connected through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows individual components to be removed and replaced independently for maintenance purposes, while the connection design ensures electrical stability and reliability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3197037B1Power conversion device
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3197037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3197037B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3197037B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power conversion device according to the present embodiment is a power conversion device that converts power from a power supply and supplies converted power to a load. A power converter converts power from the power supply. A filter capacitor part eliminates noise from power in the power converter. A housing is configured to house therein a power unit comprising the filter capacitor part and the power converter stacked on the filter capacitor part and to enable the power unit to be taken in and out from an upper surface and a side surface thereof. A guide rail is located on a bottom surface of the housing to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface and guides the power unit when the power unit is taken in and out from the side surface of the housing. A protrusion is located on the filter capacitor part to fit upward into a hole or a concave portion formed on the power converter and guides the power converter when the power converter is taken in and out from the upper surface of the housing.