CN114530312A

CN114530312A - Transformer clamping piece capable of being pre-bent by self

Info

Publication number: CN114530312A
Application number: CN202110902649.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·卡多纳; J·阿特亚加; J·克莱默; D·埃利奥特
Original assignee: Hitachi Energy Switzerland AG
Current assignee: Hitachi Energy Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-23
Filing date: 2021-08-06
Publication date: 2022-05-24
Also published as: EP4002401A1

Abstract

A transformer clamp is provided that includes a first plate having a bend with a predetermined curvature between a first end and a second end of the clamp. The clamp includes a second plate attached to the first plate and bent based on a curvature of the bend, wherein the curvature enables the clamp to distribute a substantially uniform pressure across a first surface of the transformer coupled to the clamp. The clamp may have a mounting mechanism. A method includes determining a curvature for a first panel and forming a bend in the panel based on the curvature. The method includes bending the second plate along the bend to form a curved contact surface having a curvature based on the curvature, and the curved contact surface is reshaped to exert a substantially uniform pressure on a surface of the transformer coupled to the clamp.

Description

Transformer clamping piece capable of being pre-bent by self

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to transformer clamps, and more particularly to transformer clamps and related methods.

Background

Transformers typically include a core, a coil, and a transformer clamp structure. The transformer clamp structure provides the stiffness required to withstand the load in the transformer under different operating conditions (e.g., lifting the transformer, short circuit operation, and transporting the transformer). In addition, the clamp member must provide sufficient pressure to the core member to reduce or prevent vibration of the transformer core member during operation of the transformer.

There are a variety of methods for achieving pressure on a transformer core. Typically, fixing studs, rivets, or bolts that penetrate or surround the core and attach to the clamps are used to achieve the compression. This is shown in fig. 1. The use of these additional components typically increases the manufacturing process and cost.

An alternative method is used, namely to make the transformer holder by a pre-bending process. In order to achieve the required pressure on the transformer core, the transformer clamp is designed to be bent after assembly to have a slightly curved shape (pre-bend) along its geometry. This gently curved shape enables pressure to be exerted on the core plate pieces when the clamping pieces are fitted on the core. In order to assemble the clamping member on the transformer core, a force is applied to both ends so that the clamping member assumes a flat shape, which provides the required pressure of the core stack without bending of the clamping member. The pre-bend is shown in figure 2.

Typically, the rectangular section of the transformer clamp is made by welding two pieces (a C-shaped piece and a flat piece as shown in fig. 3). After welding the two parts, plastic deformation is required to produce the pre-bend. One way to do this is by applying a load in the middle of the clamp, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 5 and 6 show an example of two pieces of a C-shaped piece 502 and a plate piece 504 of a transformer clamp 500, the transformer clamp 500 being assembled but not yet bent using the process shown in fig. 4A and 4B after assembly. Simulations have been performed to verify the pressure exerted on the transformer core and it was found that the transformer clamp of fig. 5 and 6, which was bent after assembly, failed to provide a constant pressure along the transformer core as shown in fig. 7. In fig. 7, white 700 represents the minimum pressure, lighter color 702 represents a pressure near half of the desired pressure, and darker color 704 represents a pressure equal to or higher than the desired pressure. The lighter color 702 may be even lighter, indicating even lower pressure when the transformer clamp of fig. 5 and 6 is over tightened as shown in fig. 8.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, there is provided a transformer clamp including a first plate having a bend of a predetermined curvature between a first end and a second end of the transformer clamp. The transformer clamp includes a second plate attached to the first plate and bending based on a curvature of the bend, wherein the curvature causes the transformer clamp to distribute a substantially uniform pressure across a first surface of a transformer coupled to the transformer clamp.

The advantage that can be achieved with these inventive concepts is that pre-bending can be achieved without the need for a load for bending. The resulting geometry of the transformer clamp reduces manufacturing time and improves the accuracy of providing a transformer clamp of a desired size. The transformer clamp supports loads under different operating conditions and provides substantially uniform pressure on a portion of a transformer coupled to the transformer clamp.

According to other embodiments of the inventive concept, a method for constructing a transformer clamp is provided. The method includes determining a curvature for a first plate of the transformer clamp based on a first surface of a transformer. The method includes forming a bend in a first plate between a first end and a second end of the transformer clamp based on the determined curvature. The method includes bending the second plate along the bend to form a curved contact surface having a curvature based on the curvature of the bend, the curved contact surface being reshaped in response to a clamping force applied to the first and second ends of the transformer clamp to apply a substantially uniform pressure on a first surface of the transformer coupled to the curved contact surface.

According to other embodiments of the inventive concept, there is provided a transformer clamp for a transformer, the transformer clamp comprising a plate connected with at least one tab near an end of the plate. The transformer clamp includes a mounting mechanism connected to the plate, the mounting mechanism having a back wall adjacent a surface of a transformer core of the transformer and having side walls, each side wall adjacent one of at least one tab portion, and the each side wall being capable of engaging the one of the at least one tab portion in response to the transformer core applying a force to the mounting mechanism in response to another force applied to the transformer core.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of the inventive concepts. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art transformer clamp with bolts penetrating the transformer core;

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the pressure build up on a transformer core when force is applied to unbend a prior art transformer clamp;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a prior art transformer clamp having a C-shaped member and a flat member;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of the provision of bends in the prior art transformer clamp shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of a prior art C-piece and a flat piece transformer clamp bent after assembly of the transformer clamp;

fig. 6 is a view showing an assembled view of the related art C-shaped member and the flat plate transformer clamp of fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the pressure exerted on the transformer core by the rectangular beams of the prior art transformer clamp of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of over-tightening the prior art transformer clamp of FIGS. 5 and 6;

fig. 9 is an illustration of a transformer clamp according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the plate member of FIG. 9 assembled in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

fig. 11 is a top view of a transformer clamp according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example of a transformer clamp bend according to some embodiments;

fig. 13 is an illustration of a distributed load on a transformer clamp according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a maximum deformation of a transformer clamp according to some embodiments;

fig. 15 is an illustration of setting the curvature of a plate of a transformer clamp to maximum deformation, according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

fig. 16 is an illustration of the transformer clamp assembly of fig. 11 according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

fig. 17 is an illustration of the transformer clamp assembly of fig. 11 when assembled, according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 18 is an example of pressure exerted on a transformer core by the transformer clamp shown in FIG. 12 according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

fig. 19 is a front view of a transformer assembly clamped by the transformer clamp shown in fig. 16 according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the transformer assembly shown in FIG. 19;

figure 21 is a top view of a C-shaped piece and a plate transformer clamp according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the C-shaped member and the plate transformer clamp of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a mounting mechanism according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 24 is a top view of a transformer assembly having the mounting mechanism of FIG. 23 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the C-shaped member and the plate transformer clamp of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of another mounting mechanism according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 27 is a top view of a transformer assembly having the mounting mechanism of FIG. 26 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of another mounting mechanism according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 29 is a top view of a transformer assembly having the mounting mechanism of FIG. 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept;

fig. 30 and 31 are flowcharts illustrating operations of constructing a transformer clamp according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating a process for connecting a transformer clamp with a mounting mechanism that can reduce and in some cases prevent damage to the bolts used to connect the mounting mechanism to the transformer clamp, according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

Detailed Description

The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. A component from one embodiment may be assumed to be present/used in another embodiment by default.

The following description sets forth various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. These embodiments are presented as teaching examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of

plates

902, 906 of transformer clamp 900 according to some embodiments of the present inventive concept. Fig. 10

shows plates

902, 906 of transformer clamp 900 when the transformer clamp has been assembled. Turning to fig. 9-11, in accordance with various embodiments of these inventive concepts, a T-shaped cross-sectional geometry is used to allow optimization of the cross-sectional material with respect to the greater stresses required. In other words, first plate 902 of transformer clamp 900 has a variable length from a first length L1 to a second length L2, wherein the second length is greater than the first length. Bending is achieved by joining two thin plate pieces together perpendicularly, thereby forming transformer clamp 900. Specifically, a first plate 902 (e.g., a flat sheet) has a bend 904 and is coupled to a plate 906. The first plate 902 and the second plate 906 may be joined by welding the first plate 902 and the second plate 906 together. Thus, the second plate 906 is perpendicularly attached to the first plate 902 such that the first plate 902 is joined along a central axis of the second plate 906. When joined, the second plate 906 follows the curvature 910 shown in fig. 11, thereby achieving an assembly having an arcuate geometry that imparts a curvature to the second plate 906. The bend forms a curved contact surface 908 of the second plate 906. The curvature 910 is typically between 3mm and 8mm and depends on the size of the transformer and the desired pressure to be applied to the transformer. For example, the desired pressure in various embodiments of the inventive concept is approximately 0.15 MPa. In other embodiments, if the second plate 906 follows the curvature 910, the second plate 906 may be attached perpendicularly to the first plate 902 at any position along the first plate 906.

The curvature is determined according to the size of the transformer core and the desired pressure to be applied to the transformer core of the transformer. The desired pressure may be around 0.15 MPa.

In one embodiment of the inventive concept, the curvature 910 may be determined by determining a maximum deformation of the transformer clamp based on the distributed load and a length of the transformer clamp, which in turn is based on a length of the transformer core.

Turning to fig. 12, for example, when a load is applied to one end of the plate member and wherein the cross-section of the beam is constant, then a deformation is formed as shown in fig. 12. Thus, the beam has more deformation in the middle and there is no contact between the plates of the transformer clamp and the transformer core, and therefore no pressure from the transformer clamp towards the transformer core.

To avoid such deformation of the middle of the transformer clamping plate, the cross section of the transformer clamping plate 902 needs to be increased according to the deformation of the transformer clamping plate, which requires a variable cross section. Turning to fig. 13 and 14, the maximum deformation for the transformer clamps is determined using the distributed load Q

Wherein Q is calculated based on the contact surface area of the transformer clamp surface area and the pressure to be reached on the transformer core (e.g. 0.15 MPa). By setting the curvature to maximum deformation

(see figure 15) determining the curvature of the panel

Wherein the maximum deformation

Calculated according to the following formula:

where Q is the distributed load (e.g., 0.15MPa), L is the length of second plate 906 of transformer clamp 900, E is the modulus of elasticity, and I is the moment of inertia.

Turning to fig. 11 and 16-17, the first plate 902 may include a plurality of mounting holes 912 formed approximately midway between the

ends

914, 916 of the first plate 902 and the middle 918 of the first plate 902 to enable a link 1802 (see fig. 16-17) to be connected to the first plate 902 at each of the plurality of mounting holes 912.

A support tab 920 may be attached near each mounting hole 912 of the first plate 902. Each support tab 920 may have a mounting hole 922 for enabling the transformer 1800 to be lifted, as shown in fig. 16-17. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, not all of the support tabs 920 have mounting holes 922. Instead, only the transformer holder 900 for lifting the transformer has the mounting hole 922.

In some embodiments of the inventive concept, the support tab 920 may have a slot 924, the slot 924 fitting into a slot 926 of the first plate member 902 as shown in fig. 16. This enables the support tab 920 to be mounted in a fixed position on the first plate 902.

The second plate 906 may have a mounting hole 928 near each

end

930, 932 of the second plate 906. Mounting holes 928 are used to connect transformer clamp 900 to another transformer clamp that is operably coupled with an opposite surface of the clamped transformer. Note that a clamping force is applied to

ends

930, 932 of transformer clamp 900 in response to the transformer clamp being connected to a second transformer clamp. The second transformer clamp may be any transformer clamp, including transformer clamp 900.

To assist in assembling transformer clamp 900, in some embodiments of transformer clamp 900, second plate 906 may have a slot 934 near the center of each end of second plate 906, slot 934 receiving tab 936 of first plate 902. This aligns the second plate 906 with the first plate 902 along the central axis of the second plate 906.

Fig. 18 shows a simulation performed to verify the pressure exerted on the transformer clamps of fig. 9-11 and 16-17. In fig. 18, white 1400 represents the minimum pressure, and dark color 1402 represents a pressure equal to or higher than the desired pressure. Simulations performed showed that the T-section beam shape of the transformer clamp 900 achieved pressures of up to 0.15MPa along the core as shown. The transformer clamp 900 provides substantially uniform pressure on the surface of the transformer core.

Fig. 19 is a front view of a transformer assembly clamped by the transformer clamp shown in fig. 16, and fig. 20 is an isometric view of the transformer clamp. Transformer clamps 900A-900D are shown clamping transformer 1800. Transformer clamp 900A and transformer clamp 900B are connected to each other by tie bars 1902 via mounting holes 12. Other types of connectors may be used to connect transformer clamp 900A to transformer clamp 900B via mounting holes 912.

Transformer clamp 900A is also connected to transformer clamp 900C using mounting holes 928 near each

end

914, 916 of second plate 906, transformer clamp 900C being coupled to a surface of transformer 1900 opposite a surface of the transformer on which transformer clamp 900A is coupled to transformer 1900. Clamping force is applied to

ends

914, 916 of the transformer clamps by transformer clamp 900A connecting to transformer clamp 900C via mounting mechanism 1904. Thus, a clamping force is applied to the

ends

914, 916 substantially perpendicular to the second plate 906. Transformer clamp 900B is similarly connected to transformer clamp 900D.

The transformer clamp 900 is typically connected to the transformer core surface of the transformer core 1906 above or below the winding area of the transformer windings 1908. In other words, transformer clamp 900 is located above the top of the winding area of transformer winding 1908 and below the bottom of the winding area of transformer winding 1908. That is, in these embodiments of the inventive concept, the transformer clamps 900A-900D hold the transformer core in place at the top and bottom of the transformer core with substantially uniform pressure on the transformer core.

In some embodiments of the inventive concept, supports 1910 may be used to reduce or prevent movement of transformer windings 1908 toward transformer clamps 900A-900D during transport of transformer 1900. The transformer clamp 900 holds the support 1910 in place while the tie rods 1902 are tightened to hold the transformer clamp together. Tightening of the link 1902 pushes the plate 902 against the support 1910. The supports may be wood supports, plastic supports, or any other type of material that is sufficiently rigid to withstand the forces exerted by the transformer clamps when rods 1902 are tightened to hold transformer clamps 900 (e.g., transformer clamps 900A-900B, and transformer clamps 900C-900D) together.

In various other embodiments of the inventive concept, the second plate 906 may have additional mounting holes and support tabs, such as mounting

holes

938, 940 and support tabs 942 shown in fig. 19 and 20, for helping to position the transformer clamp in the correct location on the transformer. For example, in some embodiments, where the mounting hole 922 of the support tab 920 is not available, there may be space limitations. In these embodiments, the mounting holes 938 may be used as an alternative location for the step-up transformer.

Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate a C-piece and plate transformer clamp 2100 according to various embodiments of the inventive concept. C-shaped member 2102 has a top plate member 2104, side plate members 2106, and bottom plate member 2108. Top plate member 2104 and bottom plate member 2108 have a variable length from a first length L1 to a second length L2, wherein the second length is greater than the first length. Top plate member 2104 and bottom plate member 2108 have a bend 2110 and are coupled to plate member 2112, wherein the curvature of bend 2110 is determined as described above. C-shaped member 2102 and plate member 2112 can be joined by welding top plate member 2104 and bottom plate member 2108 to plate member 2112. Thus, plate 2112 is attached vertically to top plate 2104 and bottom plate 2108 of C-shaped member 2102 along the top and bottom of plate 2112. When joined, plate 2112 follows the curvature 2114 shown in fig. 21, thereby achieving an assembly having an arcuate geometry that imparts curvature to plate 2112. The bend forms a curved contact surface 2116 of plate member 2112. The curvature 2114 is typically between 3mm and 8mm and depends on the size of the transformer and the desired pressure to be applied to the transformer. For example, the desired pressure in various embodiments of the inventive concept is approximately 0.15 MPa.

Transformer clamp 2100 may include a plurality of mounting holes 2118 formed near ends 2120, 2112 of C-shaped member 2102 to enable a tie rod to be connected to top plate member 2104 and bottom plate member 2108 at each of the plurality of mounting holes 2118.

A support tab 2124 may be attached near each mounting hole 2118. Each support tab 2114 may have a mounting hole 2126 for enabling lifting of the transformer. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, not all of the support tabs 2126 have mounting holes 2128. Instead, only the transformer holder 2100 for lifting the transformer has the mounting hole 2126.

Side plate members 2106 and plate members 2112 of the C-shaped member 2102 may have mounting holes 2128 near each

end

2120, 2122 of the C-shaped member 2102. The mounting holes 2128 are used to connect the transformer clamp 2100 to another transformer clamp that is operably coupled with an opposite surface of the clamped transformer. Note that in response to the transformer clamp being connected to a second transformer clamp, a clamping force is applied to the

ends

2120, 2122 of the transformer clamp 2100. The second transformer clamp may be any transformer clamp, including transformer clamp 2100.

FIG. 23 illustrates the mounting mechanism 1904 and tab portion 936. As previously described, the tabs 936 align the second plate 906 with the first plate 902 during assembly of the transformer clamp 900. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, tongue 936 may also be used to reduce and in some cases prevent damage to bolt 2300 used to attach mounting mechanism 1904 to transformer clamp 900.

For example, during transport of the transformer 1900, the transformer 1900 may be subjected to a force 2400 that is high enough to cause the transformer core 1906 to move in the direction of the force 2400, as shown in fig. 24. Force 2400 may be the result of emergency braking of the vehicle transporting transformer 1900 to avoid an accident, chain breakage when transformer 1900 is lifted, etc. The transformer core 1906 moves in the direction of the force 2400 and pushes against the back wall 2302 of the mounting mechanism 1904. The force 2400 may be in the direction shown in fig. 24 or in a direction opposite to that shown. The plate 2304 reduces or prevents the occurrence of the transformer core 1906 bending the back wall 2302 when the transformer core 1906 pushes against the back wall 2302.

Without tongue 936, pushing against back wall 2302 will cause mounting mechanism 1904 to push against bolt 2300 in slot 2306 of sidewall 2308. When the force 2400 is sufficiently large, the bolt 2300 may break. When bolt 2300 is broken, the clamping force exerted on transformer clamp 900 is significantly reduced and transformer clamp 900 will no longer provide substantially uniform pressure on transformer core 1906 and may damage transformer 1900.

With tongue 936, the occurrence of the mounting mechanism 1904 moving too far to break the bolt 2300 is reduced or prevented. The reduction or prevention of motion occurs because tongue 936 is near edge 2310 of sidewall 2308. Edge 2310 pushes against tongue 936 and tongue 936 reduces or prevents any further movement of side wall 2308, which may prevent or reduce the effect of bolt 2300 from forces generated by transformer core movement that may break bolt 2300. In other embodiments, the edge 2310 of the sidewall 2308 can move to engage (i.e., contact) the tongue portion 936 during installation of the mounting mechanism 1904. In these embodiments, the edges 2310 of the side walls 2308 are reduced or prevented from moving, which in turn can prevent or reduce the back wall 2302 of the mounting mechanism 1904 from moving when the force 2400 is applied to the transformer core 1906.

Fig. 25 shows how a lug can be added to C-piece and plate transformer clip 500 and C-piece and plate transformer clip 2100 for functioning like tongue 936 of transformer clip 900. The lug 2500 may be mounted near the end of the

flats

504, 2112 of the C-shaped and flat-

plate transformer

500, 2100. The lugs 2500 can then be used to reduce or prevent the mounting mechanism 1904 from moving as described above.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a mounting mechanism in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept. In FIG. 26, mounting mechanism 2600 does not have plate 2304. The thickness 2602 of the back wall 2302 is increased to better withstand the forces exerted by the moving transformer core to reduce and, in some cases, prevent the movement of the side walls 2308 toward the

tongue portions

936, 2500. Fig. 27 shows a mounting mechanism 2600 for interconnecting transformer clamps.

FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of a mounting mechanism in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept. In FIG. 28, rear wall 2302 of mounting mechanism 2800 has an increased size, and

plates

2802 and 2804 are formed by bending rear wall 2304. The two

plates

2802 and 2804 of the back wall 2302 act to reinforce the back wall 2302 to better withstand the forces exerted by a moving transformer core to reduce and in some cases prevent the side wall 2308 from moving toward the

tongue portions

936, 2500. Fig. 29 shows a mounting mechanism 2800 that interconnects transformer clamps.

Fig. 30 illustrates a process of constructing transformer clamps 900, 2100 in an embodiment of the inventive concept. In block 3001, a curvature of a first plate to be applied to a transformer clamp is determined based on a first surface of a transformer. For example, the curvature 910 to be applied to the bend 904 of the first plate 902 is determined based on at least one of a length of the transformer clamp 900 (which in turn is based on transformer core parameters such as size of the transformer core) and a pressure to be applied to the transformer clamp (e.g., 0.15 MPa). Thus, at least one of length or pressure or both length and pressure are used. In other embodiments, the curvature 2114 to be applied to the top plate member 2104 and the bottom plate member 2108 of the C-shaped member 2102 is determined based on at least one of the length of the transformer clamp 2100 (which in turn is based on transformer core parameters) and the pressure to be applied to the transformer clamp (e.g., 0.15 MPa). Thus, at least one of length or pressure or both length and pressure are used.

In block 3003, based on the determined curvature to be applied, a bend 2110 in the first plate is formed between the first end 2120 and the second end 2122 of the transformer clamp. For example, a bend 904 is formed between

ends

914, 916 of transformer clamp 900. The bend may be formed by laser cutting, water cutting, or the like. In C-piece and flat plate transformer clamp 2100, bend 2110 is formed between

ends

2120, 2122.

In block 3005, the second plate is attached to the first plate by bending the second plate along the bend to provide a curved contact surface having a curvature based on the curvature of the bend, the curved contact surface shape being reshaped in response to a clamping force to be applied to the first and second ends of the transformer clamp to apply a substantially uniform pressure on a first surface of the transformer coupled to the curved contact surface. For example, plate 906 of transformer clamp 900 may be bent along bend 904 of plate 902 to form a bent contact surface 908. By tightening transformer clamp 900 to mounting mechanism 1904 when transformer clamp 900 is connected to another transformer clamp, the force applied to transformer clamp 900 provides a force sufficient to reshape curved contact surface 908 to apply a substantially uniform pressure on a first surface of the transformer (e.g., a transformer core) coupled to curved contact surface 908. In other embodiments, plate 2112 of transformer clamp 2100 may be bent along bend 2110 of

plates

2104, 2108 to form a bent contact surface 2116. When the transformer clamp 2100 is connected to another transformer clamp, by tightening the transformer clamp 2100 to the mounting mechanism 1904, the force applied to the transformer clamp 2100 provides a force sufficient to reshape the curved contact surface 2116 to apply a substantially uniform pressure on a first surface of the transformer (e.g., a transformer core) coupled to the curved contact surface 2116.

Turning to fig. 31, further operations may be performed during construction of transformer clamp 900. For example, in block 3101, a plurality of mounting holes are formed in the first plate, each of the plurality of mounting holes being formed approximately midway between an end of the first plate and a middle of the first plate, such that a link can be connected to the first plate at each of the plurality of mounting holes. For example, the mounting holes 912 may be formed in the first plate 902 before or after the second plate 906 is connected to the first plate 902. In other embodiments, a plurality of mounting holes 2118 are formed in

plate member

2104, 2108 adjacent to ends 2120, 2122.

In block 3103, mounting holes are formed near each end of the second board for connecting the second board to a second transformer clamp operatively coupled to an opposite surface of the first surface, wherein a clamping force is applied to the first and second ends of the transformer clamp in response to the transformer clamp being connected to the second transformer clamp. For example, in transformer clamp 900, mounting holes 928 may be formed in second plate 906 before or after second plate 906 is connected to first plate 902. In the C-piece and flat plate transformer clamp 2100, mounting holes 2128 may be formed in the plate 2106 and the flat plate 2112.

In block 3105, a support tab is attached proximate each mounting hole of the first panel. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, each support tab has a mounting hole for enabling lifting of the transformer. In other embodiments of the inventive concept, only the support tabs, which are part of the transformer clamp at the top of the transformer, have mounting holes. An example of a support tab with an aperture is support tab 920 with mounting aperture 922. In an embodiment of the C-piece transformer and the flat-piece transformer clamp 2100, another example of a support tab with a hole is support tab 2124.

As described above, a force may be applied to the transformer core sufficient to move the transformer core relative to the mounting mechanism and cause damage to the mounting mechanism and/or the transformer core. FIG. 32 illustrates a process of connecting the transformer clamp with a mounting mechanism that can reduce and in some cases prevent damage to the bolts used to attach the mounting mechanism to the transformer clamp. Turning to fig. 32, in block 3201, at least one tab portion is coupled to the transformer clamp. In some embodiments, the tongue portion is part of a plate of the transformer clamp. For example, tabs 936 are part of plate 902 of transformer clamp 900 and engage plate 906 during assembly of transformer clamp 900. In other embodiments, the tab portions are connected by weld lugs. For example, tab 2500 may be welded to

plates

504, 2112.

In some embodiments, the tongue portion is connected adjacent to an end of a plate of the transformer clamp that is in contact with the transformer core. For example, plate 906 of transformer clamp 900, plate 2112 of transformer clamp 2100, and plate 504 of transformer clamp 500 contact the transformer core. In various embodiments of the inventive concept, a

tongue portion

936, 2500 is provided near the

ends

506, 508, 930, 932, 2120, 2122 of the

plates

504, 906, 2112 of the transformer clamp.

In block 3203, a mounting mechanism having a back wall and side walls is connected to the transformer clamps by placing the back wall adjacent to a surface of a transformer core of the transformer and connecting each side wall to one of the transformer clamps adjacent to one of the at least one tab portions, wherein each side wall is capable of engaging one of the at least one tab portions in response to the transformer core applying a force to the mounting mechanism in response to another force applied to the transformer core.

For example, the mounting

mechanisms

1904, 2600, 2800 having the back wall 2302 and the side walls 2308 are connected to the transformer clamps 500, 900, 2100 by placing the back wall 2302 adjacent a side surface of the transformer core 1906 and connecting each side wall 2308 to one of the transformer clamps 500, 900, 2100 adjacent one of the tongue portions (936, 2500).

In various embodiments of the present inventive concept, mounting

mechanisms

1904, 2600, 2800 are attached to the transformer clamps such that one of sidewalls 2308 engages at least one

tongue portion

936, 2500 of one of the transformer clamps. In these embodiments, the force applied by the transformer does not move sidewall 2308 to engage at least one

tongue portion

936, 2500 because sidewall 2038 has contacted at least one

tongue portion

936, 2500.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that a transformer clamp is described that provides substantially uniform pressure to the surface of the transformer during operation, increases the precision of the parts manufactured to a desired size, reduces the number of parts, resulting in a lower weight and a simple manufacturing process, which results in a significant reduction in manufacturing costs, and provides precise curvature such that substantially uniform pressure is achieved.

Furthermore, the transformer clamp provides a tongue portion that enables the mounting mechanism to reduce and/or prevent the breaking force from breaking the bolt used to connect the mounting mechanism to the transformer clamp.

In general, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art unless a different meaning is explicitly given and/or implied from the context in which they are used. All references to a/an/the element, device, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless one step is explicitly described as either following or preceding another step, and/or where it is implicit that one step must be following or preceding another step. Any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment where appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any embodiment may apply to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will be apparent from the description that follows.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "has," "contains," "containing," "all," or variants thereof, are open-ended and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.," derived from the latin phrase "exempli gratia" may be used to introduce or specify one or more general examples of the previously mentioned item, and is not intended to limit the item. The common abbreviation "i.e.," derived from the latin phrase "id est," can be used to designate a particular item from a more general reference.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Further, the functionality of a given block of the flowchart and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the illustrated blocks and/or blocks/operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present inventive concept. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept. Accordingly, the above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present inventive concept is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure, including examples of embodiments and equivalents thereof, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A transformer clamp (900, 2100), comprising:

a first plate (902, 2104, 2108) having a bend (904, 2110) of a predetermined curvature (910, 2120) between a first end (914, 930, 2120, 2122) and a second end (916, 932) of the transformer clamp; and

a second plate (906, 2112) attached to the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) and bending based on a curvature (910, 2120) of the bend (904, 2110), wherein the curvature (910, 2120) enables the transformer clamp (900, 2100) to distribute a substantially uniform pressure over a first surface of a transformer coupled to the transformer clamp (900, 2100).

2. The transformer clamp of claim 1, wherein the second plate (906, 2112) is reshaped into a substantially flat contact surface based on an external pressure applied to the transformer clamp (900, 2100).

3. The transformer clamp of any of claims 1-2, wherein the second plate (906, 2112) is attached substantially perpendicularly to the first plate (902, 2104, 2108).

4. The transformer clamp of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first plate (902) comprises a plurality of mounting holes (912), at least one mounting hole (912) being formed approximately midway between ends (914, 916) of the first plate (902) and a middle (918) of the first plate (902).

5. The transformer clamp of claim 4, further comprising a support tab (920) attached near each mounting hole (912) of the first plate (902), wherein at least one of the support tabs (902) has a support tab mounting hole (922) for enabling lifting of the transformer.

6. The transformer clip of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second plate (906, 2112) further comprises a mounting hole (928, 2128) near each end (930, 932, 2120, 2122) of the second plate (906, 2112) and configured to connect with a second transformer clip operably coupled to a second transformer core surface.

7. The transformer clamp of claim 6, wherein the second transformer clamp comprises a transformer clamp (900) comprising the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) and the second plate (906, 2112).

8. The transformer clip of any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one tongue portion (936, 2500) near an end (930, 932, 2120, 2122) of the second plate (906, 2112).

9. The transformer clamp of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) connected to the second plate (906, 2112), the mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) having a back wall (2302) adjacent to a surface of a transformer core of the transformer and having side walls (2308), each side wall (2308) being adjacent to one of the at least one tab portions (936, 2500) and being capable of engaging the one of the at least one tab portions (936, 2500) in response to the transformer core applying a force to the mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) in response to another force applied to the transformer core.

10. A method for constructing a transformer clamp (900, 2100), the method comprising:

determining (2601) a curvature (910, 2110) for a first plate (902, 2104, 2108) of the transformer clamp (900, 2100) based on a first surface of a transformer;

forming (2603) a bend (904, 2110) in the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) between a first end (914, 2120) and a second end (916, 2122) of the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) based on the determined curvature (910, 2110); and

bending (2605) a second plate (906, 2112) along the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) to form a bent contact surface (908, 2116) having a curvature based on the curvature (910, 2110) of the bent portion (904, 2110), the bent contact surface (908, 2116) being reshaped in response to a clamping force applied to a first end (914, 2120) and a second end (916, 2122) of the transformer clamp (900, 2100) to exert a substantially uniform pressure on a first surface of the transformer coupled to the bent contact surface (908, 2116).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the curved contact surfaces (908, 2116) reshape into substantially flat contact surfaces in response to a clamping force applied to the first (914, 2120) and second (916, 2122) ends of the transformer clamp (900, 2100).

12. The method of any of claims 10-11, wherein bending the second plate (906, 2110) along the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) comprises attaching the second plate (906, 2110) perpendicularly to the first plate (902, 2104, 2108).

13. The method of any of claims 10-12, wherein determining a curvature (910) for the first plate (902, 2104, 2108) comprises determining the curvature based on at least one of a size of the transformer core and a desired pressure to be applied to the transformer core of the transformer.

14. A transformer clamp (500, 900, 2100), comprising:

a plate (504, 906, 2112) connected to at least one tongue portion (936, 2500) near an end (506, 508, 930, 932, 2120, 2122) of the plate (504, 906, 2112); and

a mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) connected to the plate (504, 906, 2112), the mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) having a back wall (2302) adjacent to a surface of a transformer core (1906) of the transformer and having side walls (2308), each side wall (2308) adjacent to one of the at least one tab portions (936, 2500) and responsive to the transformer core applying a force to the mounting mechanism (1904, 2600, 2800) in response to another force applied to the transformer core, the each side wall capable of engaging the one of the at least one tab portions (936, 2500).

15. The transformer clamp (500, 900, 2100) of claim 14, wherein the mounting mechanism (1904) further comprises a plate (2304) attached to the back wall (2302) adjacent each side wall (2308).