Integrated Vehicle Switching Device and Transformer Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing arrangements for transformers and switching devices in vehicles are complex and space-intensive, requiring separate fixation and extensive cabling, which complicates assembly and occupies significant space on vehicles, especially in public transport vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A switching device is designed to be connected to a transformer, where secondary connectors are used to fix the device to the transformer, allowing for a solid connection and eliminating the need for additional fixing mechanisms, thereby simplifying the assembly and reducing space requirements by integrating the transformer and switching device as a single unit under the vehicle chassis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transformer and switching device are fixed separately in the chassis with individual cables and connectors, then the electrical connection can be established, but the assembly complexity increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transformer and switching device into a single integrated unit where the switching device is mounted directly on the transformer housing. The secondary connectors are integrated into the transformer assembly, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and multiple mounting operations. This merging of components directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the transformer and switching device are fixed separately with individual mounting, then each component can be independently installed, but the space required on the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent installationVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By mounting the switching device directly on the transformer housing, the patent consolidates the space occupied by two separately mounted components into a single footprint. The integrated design allows the switching device to utilize the transformer's mounting location, thereby reducing the total area required on the vehicle chassis while maintaining ease of installation as a single assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate cables are used to connect the switching device and transformer, then electrical connection can be established, but the assembly process becomes longer and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the secondary connectors directly into the transformer assembly, allowing the switching device to be electrically connected to the transformer windings without requiring separate cable installation. This integration eliminates the time-consuming steps of routing, connecting, and securing individual cables, thereby significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the switching device is placed on the roof near the pantograph, then the transformer can be fixed under the chassis, but the space on the roof must be reserved and the assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent placement flexibilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the switching device with the transformer housing, the patent allows both components to be mounted together under the chassis in a single location. This eliminates the need to reserve separate space on the roof for the switching device, as the integrated unit can be installed wherever the transformer is positioned, thereby optimizing space utilization while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3926650B1Switching device, associated assembly and vehicle comprising such an assembly
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3926650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3926650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3926650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switching device for a vehicle comprising a transformer having a winding (45), a first housing (50) and a primary connector (55) connected to the winding (45), the switching device comprising a second housing (110), an input terminal (115), a secondary connector (130) and a switching member (120) configured to switch between a configuration connecting the input terminal (115) and the secondary connector (130) and a configuration isolating the input terminal (115) from the secondary connector (130), the switching member (120) being housed in the second housing (110), the secondary connector (130) being connected to the switching member (120) through the second housing (110) and intended to be connected to the primary connector (55).The secondary connector (130) cooperates with the primary connector (55) to fix the switching device to the transformer, the second housing (110) being integral with the first housing (50).