Actuator Layout With Mid-Board Connector for Shorter Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing actuator design, as described in Patent Document 1, faces challenges in reducing its longitudinal dimension due to the placement of a connector for external connection on the opposite side of the worm wheel relative to the electric motor's output shaft, making it difficult to minimize size in this direction.
Innovation Solution
The actuator configuration includes an electric motor with a first and second gear system, a worm and worm wheel for decelerated rotation, and a control board with a connector for external connection placed between the electric motor and worm wheel, allowing for a reduced longitudinal dimension by positioning the worm wheel on the same side as the output shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the connector is placed on the side opposite to the electric motor across the worm wheel, then the external connection is achieved, but the longitudinal dimension of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is relocated from the longitudinal direction (opposite side of the worm wheel) to the radial direction (outer peripheral surface of the housing). This dimensional change allows the connector to be positioned without increasing the longitudinal dimension of the actuator, effectively resolving the space constraint issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both the motor housing and connector housing. The connector is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of this integrated housing, allowing it to be positioned radially outward rather than longitudinally, thus reducing the overall longitudinal dimension while maintaining external connectivity.
2Length of moving object
If the worm wheel is positioned on the same side as the output shaft, then the longitudinal dimension is reduced, but the gear arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing and connector housing are merged into a single integrated housing structure. This consolidation allows the worm wheel to be positioned on the same side as the output shaft without requiring additional space for separate housing components, thereby reducing the longitudinal dimension while managing the gear arrangement complexity through integrated design.
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 configuration effectively reduces the longitudinal dimension of the actuator while maintaining the ability to externally connect and control the motor, allowing for more compact designs in applications such as vehicle wiper and power window devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear (21) disposed on an output shaft (11) of the electric motor (10); a second gear (22) meshed with the first gear (21)
Implementation Method 2
a worm (31) extending in a direction parallel to the output shaft (11), the second gear (22) being disposed on one end side of the worm (31) in a direction of extension of the worm (31); a worm wheel (32) meshed with the worm (31)
Data Source
AI summary
In an actuator, a control board is situated between an electric motor and a worm wheel, and a connector is disposed on the control board. Thus, a longitudinal dimension of the actuator is easily reduced. Since the worm wheel is situated on a same side as an output shaft relative to a worm, a width of the actuator is easily reduced.