Adapter Mounting Frequency Converters to Motor Cooling Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for attaching electronic devices to electric motors require structural changes and extensive adaptation, leading to increased material and tool usage, as well as complex assembly processes due to varying motor designs and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with projections that fit into the motor's free spaces or cooling ribs, allowing for form-fitting attachment without modifying the motor, using a receiving element and holding elements that can be easily swapped based on motor size, enabling quick and secure attachment of electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fastening webs with screw connections are used to attach frequency converter housing to electric motor, then secure attachment is achieved, but structural changes to electric motor are required and certified applications are ruled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmotor certification compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary adapter assembly that mediates between the frequency converter and motor housing. This adapter uses cooling ribs as mounting references and includes a separate mounting plate with screw holes, allowing secure attachment without modifying the original motor housing structure, thus preserving motor certification while achieving strong attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If special adapter housing replacing normal fan housing is used, then frequency converter attachment is achieved, but large number of special holding devices must be manufactured or kept in stock for different motor sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidvariety of holding devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal adapter assembly that can be used with different motor sizes and types. The adapter uses cooling ribs as common mounting references across various motor designs and includes adjustable mounting plates with multiple hole patterns, allowing one adapter design to serve multiple motor configurations, eliminating the need for size-specific holding devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If fastening holes are drilled in motor housing, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional production steps and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-drilled screw holes and mounting features directly into the adapter assembly during adapter manufacturing, rather than drilling into the motor housing during motor assembly. This preliminary preparation of mounting features in the adapter reduces assembly steps and avoids additional production operations on the motor housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If adaptation constructions are required for each motor design, then attachment of electronic devices is achieved, but increased use of materials and tools results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor compatibilityVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal adapter assembly that works across different motor sizes and configurations using the same basic components. The adapter leverages commonly available cooling rib structures on various motors and includes adjustable mounting plates, eliminating the need to manufacture different adaptation constructions for each motor type, thus reducing material consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1734640B1Device for fixing an electrical apparatus to an electric motor
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP1734640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1734640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1734640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has several clamping components arranged between a frequency converter (1) and an electric motor (5) e.g. standard motor. Retaining unit (2) that is connected with the electronic device and clamping units (3, 4) that is connected with the retaining unit bridge a gap between the electronic device and the motor. The clamping units fit into constructional free spaces of the motor in a force-transmitting manner.