Serial Connection Plates for Electromagnet Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting power sources to electromagnets in accelerators require a large number of cables, leading to cumbersome and inefficient installation processes, especially for large electromagnets needing high electric current, and limit space utilization due to cable routing constraints.

Innovation Solution

The use of serially connected metal connection plates with superior electrical conductivity, arranged in pairs around the electromagnets, reduces the number of cables needed and allows for more efficient power distribution, enabling easier handling and installation with reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of power cables are used to connect power sources to multiple electromagnets, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the installation work becomes troublesome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power cables are merged into a single power bus bar that can simultaneously connect to multiple electromagnets. The power bus bar integrates the function of multiple separate cables, allowing power to be distributed to multiple electromagnets through one unified connection structure, thereby improving installation efficiency while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power bus bar serves multiple functions: it acts as a common power distribution line for multiple electromagnets, provides a standardized connection interface, and enables both parallel and series connection configurations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each electromagnet.

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

2Power

If power cables with large diameter are used to supply high electric current to large electromagnets, then sufficient current capacity is achieved, but the cables become difficult to handle and bend

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric current capacityVSAvoidcable handling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible but cumbersome power cables are replaced with a rigid power bus bar structure. The power bus bar, while rigid, is designed with appropriate dimensions and connection mechanisms that facilitate installation. It provides sufficient current capacity through its cross-sectional area while being easier to position and connect using standardized mounting holes and fastening structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power bus bar is divided into multiple sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each section can be independently positioned and connected to electromagnets, allowing for modular installation. The segmentation enables easier handling during installation while maintaining the overall current-carrying capacity through the continuous conductive path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous power cables are laid around the accelerator, then power distribution to multiple electromagnets is achieved, but the installation area is limited and routing is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidinstallation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power distribution paths are merged into a single power bus bar structure that can serve multiple electromagnets simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total space required for power distribution infrastructure, as the power bus bar occupies less area than multiple separate cables laid around the accelerator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power bus bar is designed to be mounted in a planar configuration on the accelerator structure, utilizing the available surface area efficiently. By transitioning from three-dimensional cable routing to two-dimensional planar mounting, the installation area is optimized and routing constraints are minimized.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate cables are used for each electromagnet connection, then individual power control is achieved, but the number of cables increases proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual power controlVSAvoidnumber of cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power bus bar provides universal power distribution capability, serving multiple electromagnets through a single structure. Each electromagnet can be independently connected to the power bus bar at different locations, maintaining individual power control while eliminating the need for separate dedicated cables for each device.

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

This approach significantly reduces the workload and installation area needed for connecting electromagnets, making the process more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional cable-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

connection plates for power feeding which are placed at outer peripheral positions of a plurality of circularly-arranged electromagnets... an end portion of the other one of the connection plates in each one of the pairs and an end portion of the other one of the connection plates in another one of the pairs are bent in the radial direction so that these end portions are both apart from the one of the connection plates in each one of the pairs, and the other one of the connection plates in each one of the pairs and the other one of the connection plates in another one of the pairs are serially connected to each other at their thus-bent portions, so that power is fed to the plurality of electromagnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3200566B1Electricity supply connection plates
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3200566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3200566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3200566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Plural pairs of connection plates (21) are placed circumferentially around a plurality of circularly-arranged electromagnets (2, 3, 4), in which the plural pairs are each a pair of two connection plates placed with a gap therebetween in a radial direction and are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the connection plates. Further, at a portion where one (21a) of the two connection plates forming a pair (21a, 21c) and one (21b) of the adjacent two connection plates forming another pair are connected to each other, an end portion (22a) of the one of the two connection plates forming the pair and an end portion (22b) of the one of the two connection plates forming the another pair, are configured to be bent in the radial direction so that these end portions (22a, 22b) are both apart from the other one (21a, 21b) of the two connection plates forming the pair, whereby the connection plates in the pair and the connection plates in the another pair are serially connected. Further, using an intermediate fixation plate (24) and a clamping plate (25), all of the connection plates (21) are placed at a position higher than an installation base level.