Plastic Barrel Chimney Attachment for Watertight Gear Motor Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a barrel to a gear motor housing in wiper systems are expensive and difficult to manufacture, and they fail to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the housing, which can reduce the service life of the reduction gear mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plastic barrel with a lateral protuberance that is inserted into a metal or plastic housing with a flared base, where the barrel is partially deformed to form an axial counter-abutment and anti-rotation lugs, using heat or ultrasound to secure it, creating a watertight seal and preventing rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional barrel attachment method is used, then the barrel can be attached to the housing, but the attachment process is expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (such as threading, welding, or complex fastening systems) with a deformation-based attachment mechanism. The barrel's first end is deformed to form a counter-abutment that mechanically interlocks with the chimney structure, eliminating the need for expensive or complex attachment processes while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the barrel material through deformation. By deforming the first end of the barrel to create a counter-abutment, the material's shape and structural properties are altered to achieve a secure attachment state. This parameter change approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to traditional multi-step attachment methods.
2Reliability
If the barrel is securely attached to prevent dirt and moisture entry, then the service life of the reduction gear mechanism is preserved, but the attachment method becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation of the barrel's first end to form a counter-abutment creates a self-sealing and self-securing mechanism. The counter-abutment structure automatically prevents dirt and moisture entry by creating a tight fit with the chimney, eliminating the need for additional sealing components or complex protective structures. The attachment process itself creates the protective barrier.
3Strength
If the barrel is made from polyamide with glass fiber reinforcement, then the strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the barrel is made from polyamide reinforced with glass fiber. This composite material provides enhanced strength, stiffness, and durability while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs. The combination of polyamide (providing toughness and chemical resistance) and glass fiber (providing structural strength) creates an optimal balance between performance and cost for the barrel component.
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 method provides a cost-effective, easy-to-attach barrel solution that prevents moisture and dirt from entering the housing, enhancing the service life of the gear motor by ensuring a secure and watertight assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the heating temperature is between 150 and 180°
Implementation Method 2
the deformation step comprises a step of applying ultrasound
Implementation Method 3
at least partially deforming the first end of the plastic barrel in order to form an axial counter-abutment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for attaching a plastic barrel configured to guide an output shaft of a mechanical device to a housing for the mechanical device is disclosed. The housing includes a chimney delimited by an upper edge and a base, the chimney being arranged to partially surround the output shaft, the plastic barrel having a lateral protuberance. The method involves at least the following steps: inserting a first end of the plastic barrel into the chimney of the housing until the lateral protuberance axially abuts against the upper edge of the chimney, and at least partially deforming the first end of the plastic barrel in order to form an axial counter-abutment.