Multi-Section Replacement Capacitor for Selectable Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service technicians face challenges in replacing capacitors of varying values efficiently, as existing solutions are cumbersome, costly, and do not meet industry safety standards, leading to extended service times and inefficiencies in repairing air-conditioning and other motor systems.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor with multiple selectable capacitance values, featuring a wound cylindrical element with multiple sections, a pressure interrupter cover assembly, and insulated connections, allowing for flexible connection configurations to match the capacitance of failed capacitors, and disconnecting under pressure events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serviceman carries a large number of capacitors of different values in the service truck, then the availability of replacement capacitors is improved, but the inventory maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single capacitor unit that can serve multiple replacement functions. The dual-capacitor element construction allows one capacitor unit to replace either a single capacitor or two capacitors of different values, eliminating the need to carry multiple different capacitor types in the service truck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single capacitor into two separate functional elements within one unit. These elements can be electrically connected in parallel to provide a higher capacitance value or used separately to replace two different capacitors, providing flexibility without increasing inventory complexity.
2Device complexity
If a serviceman returns to the shop or visits a supplier to pick up a replacement capacitor, then the inventory complexity is reduced, but the service time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a capacitor unit in advance that contains multiple capacitor elements with different capacitance values. This pre-configured unit can immediately replace various failed capacitors without requiring the serviceman to return to the shop or visit a supplier, thus reducing service time while maintaining simple inventory.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitor provides multiple capacitance values through selectable connections, then the versatility for replacing different capacitors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining two capacitor elements into a single integrated unit with common mounting and terminal structure. The elements share a common case, common terminal connections, and common mounting bracket interface, which simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple capacitance values through selective connection.
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
Enables technicians to replace capacitors of various values quickly and safely, meeting safety standards, reducing inventory needs, and minimizing service time, while ensuring reliable operation and extended capacitor life.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure interrupter cover assembly adapted to break one or more connections as required to disconnect the capacitive element from an electrical circuit in the event that the capacitive element has a catastrophic pressure-event failure
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor provides a plurality of selectable capacitance values, by selective connection of six capacitor sections of a capacitive element each having a capacitance value. The capacitor sections are provided in a plurality of wound cylindrical capacitive elements. Two vertically stacked wound cylindrical capacitance elements may each provide three capacitor sections. There may be six separately wound cylindrical capacitive elements each providing a capacitor section. The capacitor sections have a common element terminal.