Reactor Resin Foam Gap Member Vibration Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reactors face challenges in reducing stress applied to magnetic cores due to vibration, leading to potential damage, and have poor manufacturability due to complex assembly processes and material limitations.

Innovation Solution

A reactor design incorporating a magnetic core with resin foam gap members, formed by foaming unfoamed resin sheets between core pieces, which reduces stress transmission and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a thin, easily handled unfoamed resin sheet that expands to create a thick resin foam gap, thereby alleviating stress and improving workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If thermosetting adhesive is used to firmly fix core pieces, then the core pieces are fixed firmly, but portions of the core pieces near the connection become mechanically weak points that can break under vibration stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing firmness of core piecesVSAvoidmechanical strength of core pieces near connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a vibration isolation structure between the core pieces and the adhesive bonding structure. This structure absorbs and attenuates vibration stress before it reaches the core pieces, preventing the transmission of harmful forces that would otherwise cause breakage at the mechanically weak connection points.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary approach by inserting a vibration isolation structure as a mediator between the core pieces and the adhesive bonding structure. This intermediary component decouples the direct mechanical connection, allowing the core pieces to be firmly fixed while protecting them from vibration-induced stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If elastic gap member made of rubber is used to transmit vibration easily, then the material interposed between core pieces transmits vibration, but this worsens the stress applied to the magnetic core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmission capabilityVSAvoidstress applied to magnetic core
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of vibration into a beneficial outcome by using the vibration isolation structure to absorb and dissipate vibration energy. Instead of allowing vibration to directly stress the magnetic core, the isolation structure transforms the vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, thereby protecting the core while maintaining reliable electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous materials in the vibration isolation structure to enhance vibration damping. The porous architecture provides multiple interfaces for energy dissipation through friction and viscoelastic deformation, effectively reducing vibration transmission to the magnetic core while maintaining the necessary gap function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic adhesive is used to bond core pieces, then the core pieces are bonded, but a separate member is needed to constrict the magnetic core, increasing process steps and degrading workability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding capability of core piecesVSAvoidworkability of assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The vibration isolation structure is designed to simultaneously serve as both the bonding support and the constriction element. This eliminates the need for separate constriction members and reduces the number of assembly steps, thereby improving workability while maintaining stable bonding of the core pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the vibration isolation structure to perform multiple functions: providing vibration isolation, maintaining the gap between core pieces, and serving as the constriction element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional separate members, simplifying the assembly process and improving ease of manufacture.

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

4Stress or pressure

If resin foam gap member is used to reduce stress, then stress on magnetic core is reduced, but the manufacturing process requires foaming step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress on magnetic coreVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions in the form of chemical foaming, where a foaming agent undergoes phase change from liquid to gas, creating bubbles within the resin matrix. This phase transition occurs in situ during the curing process, transforming a simple resin sheet into a stress-absorbing foam structure without requiring separate foaming equipment or complex manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the resin material through the addition of a foaming agent. The material transitions from a dense solid to a cellular foam structure with controlled density and elasticity, enabling stress reduction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard curing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reactor effectively reduces stress on magnetic cores, preventing damage from vibration and enhances manufacturability by simplifying the assembly process and allowing for the use of materials with lower dimensional precision, resulting in a more robust and efficient power conversion component.

Implementation Method 1

a resin foam portion constituted by resin foam is present in a contact region that comes into contact with the core pieces... effectively reduces stress on magnetic cores, preventing damage from vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

formed by foaming unfoamed resin sheets between core pieces, which reduces stress transmission and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a thin, easily handled unfoamed resin sheet that expands to create a thick resin foam gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming expansion: Foam

Data Source

PatentUS10832851B2Reactor and manufacturing method for reactor
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US10832851B2 patent drawing
  • US10832851B2 patent drawing
  • US10832851B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reactor is provided that can reduce or alleviate stress that can be applied to a magnetic core, and also has excellent manufacturability, and a reactor manufacturing method is also provided. The reactor includes a coil and a magnetic core that includes a plurality of core pieces and a gap member that is interposed between at least one set of core pieces, the magnetic core forming a closed magnetic circuit when the coil becomes excited. At least one gap member is a resin foam gap member that includes, in a contact region that comes into contact with the core pieces, a resin foam portion constituted by resin foam.