Actuator Grounding Blade Layout for Simpler Stator Earthing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for occultation devices have complex and costly grounding systems, which limit their architectural flexibility and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The electromechanical actuator features a monobloc grounding piece that is electrically connected to the stator and extends parallel to the axis of rotation, providing effective grounding without the need for multiple complex grounding pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple complex grounding pieces are used to electrically connect the stator to ground, then reliable grounding is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate grounding pieces (first grounding piece connected to stator and second grounding piece connected to casing) into a single integrated grounding blade that simultaneously connects both the stator and the casing to ground. This single-piece grounding blade eliminates the need for multiple separate grounding components and their associated connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining grounding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding blade serves multiple functions: it acts as both the first grounding piece (connecting stator to ground) and the second grounding piece (connecting casing to ground), and also provides structural support within the actuator. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed while ensuring reliable grounding paths for both critical elements.
2Reliability
If fork-shaped grounding pieces are used to connect stator and casing to ground, then electrical continuity is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate fork-shaped grounding pieces into a single grounding blade that provides both grounding connections in one component. This reduces the total number of parts to manufacture, assemble, and inventory, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary electrical continuity paths to ground for both the stator and casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding blade incorporates elastic deformation zones that allow it to adapt its shape during assembly, enabling it to simultaneously engage with both the stator and casing mounting features. This elastic adaptation ensures proper electrical contact and mechanical retention without requiring complex precision machining or multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If grounding pieces are designed for specific actuator architectures with reducers, then proper grounding is achieved, but adaptability to different architectures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding blade is designed as a universal component that can provide effective grounding for various actuator architectures. Its elastic deformation zones allow it to adapt to different mounting configurations and spatial arrangements, enabling it to function effectively whether the actuator includes a reducer, has different component layouts, or uses alternative architectural approaches. This universal design eliminates the need for architecture-specific grounding solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding blade incorporates elastic deformation zones that allow it to dynamically adapt its shape during assembly and operation. This dynamic flexibility enables the same grounding blade design to accommodate various actuator architectures and component tolerances, providing reliable grounding effectiveness across different architectural configurations without requiring custom-designed grounding pieces for each architecture.
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
This solution simplifies the grounding function, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows the actuator to be compatible with various electromechanical actuator architectures, making it more economical and easier to develop.
Implementation Method 1
The grounding piece comprises two elastic deformation zones which enable the grounding piece to be elastically deformed during assembly of the electromechanical actuator, so as to come into contact with the stator and with the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
This electromechanical actuator (8) comprises an electric motor, a control unit (19), a housing, and a grounding element (110) electrically connected at least to a stator (182) of the electric motor and to an electrical conductor (105) of a power supply cable (10). The stator (182) comprises at least one lamination stack (182A), windings, and covers (182C1, 182C2) surrounding the windings. The grounding element (110) is a single-piece blade extending parallel to an axis of rotation (X) of a rotor of the electric motor, from an end wall (17G) of the housing, at least to the level of the cover (182C2) furthest from that wall (17G), passing through the lamination stack (182A), parallel to the axis of rotation (X). The grounding piece (110) is in elastic support, in radial centrifugal and centripetal directions with respect to the axis of rotation (X), against the stack of sheets (182A) and against the hoods (182C1, 182C2).