Actuation Device Motor Positioning via Retaining Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuation devices with electric motors in fluid circulation valves face issues with axial play, leading to mechanical stress and misalignment due to the deformation of retaining plates during assembly, which compromises positioning accuracy and increases wear on components.

Innovation Solution

The actuation device employs a retaining plate with U-shaped legs and shouldered screws, limiting the deformation of the retaining plate during assembly, thereby reducing mechanical stress and ensuring precise positioning of the electric motor without axial play.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the retaining plate is deformed to eliminate axial play between the motor and housing, then positioning precision is improved, but the retaining plate is subjected to excessive stress that may compromise its structural integrity and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidretaining plate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A motor support plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor and the retaining plate. This support plate receives the motor directly, eliminating the need to deform the retaining plate for positioning. The retaining plate thus serves only its retaining function without bearing positioning stresses, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the motor is mounted without axial play to improve positioning accuracy, then friction and wear are reduced, but the force required to deform the retaining plate creates misalignment risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning accuracyVSAvoidalignment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor support plate acts as a mediator that independently handles motor positioning and support. It provides a dedicated mounting surface for the motor without requiring deformation of the retaining plate, thereby maintaining alignment reliability while achieving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting function is segmented into two separate components: the motor support plate for positioning and mounting the motor, and the retaining plate for retaining the motor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other, eliminating the risk of misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mounting screws are used to secure the motor, then the motor is fixed in position, but radial play and axial play persist leading to increased wear and friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor fixation stabilityVSAvoidmotor positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The motor support plate serves as an intermediary mounting structure that provides both stable fixation and precise positioning of the motor. It incorporates features such as positioning pins or precision holes that eliminate radial and axial play, while the retaining plate separately secures the assembly without causing misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3747112B1Actuation device comprising an electric motor, and fluid flow valve comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR SAS
  • EP3747112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3747112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3747112B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to an actuation device (20) comprising: – an electric motor (1), – a body (2) comprising: a recess (3) for receiving the electric motor (1), a retaining plate (4) that is arranged to hold the electric motor (1) in the recess (3), – a first attachment means (5) extending along an axis (D1) and cooperating with a first bearing surface (6) of the retaining plate (4), characterized in that the first bearing surface (6) is contained within an angular sector whose peak is located on the axis (D1) of the attachment means and which subtends an angle of less than 180°.