Snubber Capacitor Vibration Damping in Switch Module Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Snubber capacitors in switch module assemblies vibrate relative to the switch module, risking terminal breakage.

Innovation Solution

A switch module assembly with a capacitor support member made of flexible material, such as thermoplastic vulcanizate, is used to reduce vibrations by being in contact with and positioned between the snubber capacitors and the switch module, utilizing snap fit protrusions and a positioning system to securely hold the capacitors in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If snubber capacitors are fastened to the switch module, then the electrical connection is established, but the capacitors vibrate relative to the switch module causing terminal breakage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal connection reliabilityVSAvoidcapacitor position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration-dampening element is introduced as an intermediary component between the snubber capacitor and the switch module. This element absorbs and reduces vibrations, preventing direct transmission to the capacitor terminals while maintaining electrical connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration-dampening element is made of elastomeric material, creating a composite structure that combines the rigid electrical connection requirements with the flexible vibration-absorbing properties of elastomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fastening is used to secure capacitors, then position stability is improved, but vibration-induced terminal breakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor position stabilityVSAvoidterminal connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration-dampening element serves as a mediator that decouples the rigid fastening structure from the capacitor body, allowing the fastening to provide positional stability while the dampening element protects against vibration transmission to terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no vibration reduction measure is taken, then device complexity is reduced, but terminal breakage occurs due to vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidterminal connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration-dampening element is implemented as a flexible elastomeric component that can be integrated into the mounting structure. This flexible element provides vibration reduction with minimal added complexity compared to rigid mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible capacitor support member effectively reduces snubber capacitor vibrations relative to the switch module, enhancing stability and preventing terminal breakage.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor support member (8) made of flexible material, such as thermoplastic vulcanizate, is used to reduce vibrations by being in contact with and positioned between the snubber capacitors and the switch module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3720259B1Switch module assembly, and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3720259B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3720259B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3720259B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A switch module assembly comprising a switch module (2) comprising a bus bar system having a positive bus bar (41) and a negative bus bar (42), and at least one snubber capacitor (6) fastened to the switch module (2), each of the at least one snubber capacitor (6) having a body part (64), a positive terminal (61) connected to the positive bus bar (41), and a negative terminal (62) connected to the negative bus bar (42). The switch module assembly comprises a capacitor support member (8) adapted to reduce vibration of the body part (64) of the at least one snubber capacitor (6) relative to the switch module (2), the capacitor support member (8) is made of flexible material, and is in contact with the body part (64) of the at least one snubber capacitor (6) and the switch module (2).