Switch Module Power Bus Overlap for Low-Inductance Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power control devices have difficulty reducing the inductance between power supply members, which affects the efficiency of power conversion in electrical apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

The electrical apparatus includes a switch module with a resin-covered switch and terminals, where the first and second power supply members are connected to the terminals in a perpendicular direction, allowing for cancellation of the magnetic field and reduction of inductance between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conductive members are arranged to reduce impedance and magnetic flux, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise arrangement and connection to electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second power supply members are merged into a single insulating plate structure, integrating multiple functions (current conduction, insulation, and structural support) into one component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the low-impedance, low-inductance connection path between power supply terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply members are arranged in an overlapping configuration in the vertical direction rather than side-by-side in the horizontal plane. This three-dimensional arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint and allows magnetic field cancellation while maintaining electrical connection efficiency.

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

2Productivity

If power supply members are connected in parallel to reduce inductance, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but the space required for connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidconnection area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional overlapping arrangement. The first and second power supply members overlap in the vertical direction, allowing parallel current paths to be established within a compact horizontal footprint. This reduces the connection area while maintaining low inductance through the parallel configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply members are nested in the vertical direction with one overlapping the other, creating a compact stacked configuration. This nesting approach allows multiple current-carrying paths to coexist in a small horizontal space, reducing the overall connection area while maintaining the parallel connection benefits for low inductance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration effectively reduces the inductance between the power supply members, enhancing the efficiency of power conversion and improving the reliability of electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a portion of the first power supply member connected to the first terminal and a part of the second power supply member overlap in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction in which the first terminal and the second terminal are arranged. According to this, a magnetic field is easily canceled between the portion of the first power supply member connected to the first terminal and the part of the second conductive member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field cancellation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230354568A1Electrical apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.02 DENSO CORP
  • US20230354568A1 patent drawing
  • US20230354568A1 patent drawing
  • US20230354568A1 patent drawing

AI summary

It comprises: a switch module including a switch, a first terminal and a second terminal connected to the switch, and a resin member covering the switch, the first terminal and the second terminal; a first power supply member electrically connected to a portion of the first terminal exposed from the resin member and one of two electrodes of a power supply; and a second power supply member electrically connected to a portion of the second terminal exposed from the resin member and the other one of the two electrodes of the power supply. A portion of the first power supply member connected to the first terminal and a part of the second power supply member overlap in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction in which the first terminal and the second terminal are arranged.