Transformer Core Clamping Structure for Vibration Load Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transformer structures are prone to failure under dynamic loads, particularly vibrational loads, leading to fatigue and crack propagation due to unfavorable mechanical resonance frequencies and stress levels.

Innovation Solution

The transformer core incorporates an elongate clamping structure with a rigid member and conical head portions to compress and tighten the column, enhancing its stiffness and mechanical resonance frequencies, thereby reducing stress levels and preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional transformer frame structure is used, then assembly is simple, but structural stiffness is insufficient leading to high stress levels under dynamic loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stiffnessVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure is divided into multiple segments including clamping plates, bolts, and insulating components that work together to distribute and enhance the clamping force across different sections of the transformer core, thereby improving overall structural stiffness without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping structure combines different materials including metallic clamping plates for strength, insulating materials to prevent electrical discharge, and rubber elements for vibration damping, creating a composite system that optimizes both stiffness and stress reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional clamping structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but crack propagation risk increases under vibrational loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack resistanceVSAvoidclamping structure manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure incorporates rubber elements and damping components positioned at critical stress points before assembly, which preemptively absorb and dissipate vibrational energy and shock loads, preventing crack initiation and propagation under dynamic conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The design optimizes parameters such as clamping force distribution, material selection with appropriate damping characteristics, and geometric configuration of clamping plates to reduce stress concentrations that could lead to crack propagation, while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid clamping is applied to increase stiffness, then dynamic response improves, but stress concentrations may increase on critical parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic stabilityVSAvoidstress on critical parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure applies different local properties to different regions: rigid metallic plates provide structural support in areas requiring stiffness, while rubber elements and insulating materials provide stress distribution and vibration damping in areas prone to stress concentration, creating a non-uniform but optimized stress distribution throughout the assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhanced stiffness and resonance frequencies reduce the risk of transformer failure by minimizing stress and deformation, improving the dynamic response to external loads.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second end portions are configured to compress a portion of the column which surrounds the elongate clamping structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The stiffness of the column significantly influences the dynamic response of the transformer core and the dynamic response of the transformer to external loads such as vibrational or shock loads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3951812B1Transformer core and transformer
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3951812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951812B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3951812B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transformer core, comprising a first yoke, a second yoke, a column (6) having a column main axis (8) and extending between the first yoke and the second yoke, and an elongate clamping structure (10) comprising an elongate rigid member (12) having a rigid member main axis (14) is provided. The column (6) includes an elongate opening (16) having an opening main axis (18) which is oriented transversal with respect to the column main axis (8). The rigid member (12) is positioned within the elongate opening (16) such that the rigid member main axis (14) is oriented parallel to the opening main axis (18).