Wound Component Temperature Sensing Under Electromagnetic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound components used in devices like transformers and battery chargers face challenges in accurately monitoring temperature, particularly in high-temperature environments, which can lead to damage due to uncontrolled induction currents.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a temperature sensor, such as a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor, interposed between the ferromagnetic support and the winding, shielded from electromagnetic interference, and positioned equidistant to measure both winding and support temperatures, with insulating elements to prevent galvanic coupling and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is placed near the winding and ferromagnetic support to measure temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the sensor is exposed to strong electromagnetic interference that alters measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically insulating element as an intermediary substance between the temperature sensor and the winding/ferromagnetic support. This intermediary serves dual purposes: it provides thermal contact for accurate temperature sensing while simultaneously providing electrical insulation to block electromagnetic interference from reaching the sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and electromagnetic interference exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial shielding effect by using the electrically insulating element. The same insulating material that prevents electrical contact also creates an electromagnetic barrier, transforming the challenge of electromagnetic interference into a protective feature that enhances sensor reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with the winding and ferromagnetic support for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but galvanic coupling occurs causing interference and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidgalvanic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating element acts as a mediator that maintains thermal contact between the sensor and the measured objects while preventing electrical contact. This allows the sensor to accurately measure temperature through thermal conduction while the insulating barrier blocks galvanic coupling, eliminating the harmful electrical interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the contact interface by introducing the insulating element as a separate layer between the sensor and the winding/ferromagnetic support. This segmentation separates the thermal interaction (desired) from the electrical interaction (harmful), allowing independent optimization of both thermal measurement accuracy and electrical isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables accurate temperature monitoring of wound components, allowing for adjustment of induction currents to prevent overheating and ensuring the safety and longevity of the components.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (4) interposed between said ferromagnetic support (2) and said winding (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the winding (3) is adapted to be crossed by an induction current which generates a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the protective body is preferably a shielding body, e.g. made of metal material, adapted to shield the measuring body from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the induction current circulating inside the winding (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 4

the winding and the ferromagnetic support frequently reach very high temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11984256B2Wound component
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 META ELECTRONICS SRL
  • US11984256B2 patent drawing
  • US11984256B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wound component having a ferromagnetic support, at least one electrically conductive winding wound around the ferromagnetic support and adapted to conduct at least one induction current, and a temperature sensor interposed between the ferromagnetic support and the winding.