Cylindrical Capacitor Switching Strip Layout for Parallel Winding Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylindrical capacitors face challenges in achieving low inductance properties and efficient parallel connection of winding elements, with previous solutions being limited by high inductance in electrical connections and lack of adaptability to variable geometries.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical capacitor design featuring two circular connecting disks and overlapping switching bands that are electrically and mechanically connected to the winding elements, allowing for a space-saving, optimized electrical connection with low inductance, where the switching bands are distributed over the cylinder surface to connect multiple winding elements in parallel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrical connections are used to connect winding elements in parallel, then the capacitor can be constructed with multiple winding elements, but the self-inductance becomes too high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection qualityVSAvoidself-inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar connection arrangements to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Multiple switching bands are distributed radially around the cylinder surface, utilizing the third dimension (radial direction) to optimize current distribution and minimize inductance. The switching bands extend both radially and axially, creating a multi-dimensional connection topology that reduces magnetic flux linkage compared to conventional two-dimensional arrangements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is divided into multiple discrete switching bands distributed around the cylinder surface. Instead of using a single large connection element, the patent segments the connection into several parallel switching bands (typically 3-6 bands), each carrying a portion of the total current. This segmentation reduces the loop area for each current path, thereby minimizing self-inductance while maintaining total current capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If winding elements are stacked axially one above the other, then space is saved compared to side-by-side stacking, but the electrical connection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor volumeVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching bands serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between stacked winding elements, act as current distributors to minimize inductance, and can be configured in various patterns to accommodate different numbers of winding elements. The same basic switching band structure works for 2, 4, 6, or more winding elements, providing a universal solution that adapts to different capacitor configurations without requiring fundamentally different connection approaches.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If custom three-dimensional molded connecting segments are used, then low inductance is achieved, but the solution lacks adaptability to variable geometries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-inductanceVSAvoidgeometric adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic and flexible connection structure where switching bands can be arranged in different radial and axial positions depending on the specific geometry requirements. The number, position, and configuration of switching bands can be adapted to match different winding element arrangements, cylinder diameters, and heights. This flexible configuration approach allows the same basic principle to achieve low inductance across a range of geometries without requiring custom molded parts for each specific dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4208883B1Cylindrical capacitor
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 ELECTRONICSON KONDENSATOREN
  • EP4208883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4208883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4208883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cylindrical capacitor, consisting of a plurality of cylindrical winding elements which are stacked one on top of the other in the cylinder axial direction and have electrical contact surfaces on their end faces, said contact surfaces being connected to switching strips leading over the cylinder lateral surface and to at least one connection terminal in each case. According to the invention, two substantially circular first and second connection discs are provided, which are adapted to the cylinder diameter and are electrically and mechanically isolated by an insulating element, wherein the first of the connection discs is electrically connected directly to a contact surface, lying in the direction of the connection terminal, of an upper cylindrical winding element. Furthermore, multiple first switching strips are formed, which extend from the first connection disc, are distributed over the cylinder lateral surface, run substantially in parallel and are connected to a contact surface, facing away from the connection terminal, of a further winding element, and multiple second switching strips are formed, which extend from the second of the connection discs, are distributed over the cylinder lateral surface, run congruently over the first switching strips and lead to the further contact surfaces of the winding elements for parallel electrical connection of same, wherein an insulation layer or insulation sheath is provided at least in the overlap region of the first and second switching strips.