Integrated Bearing Block Sealing for Starter Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing starters for internal combustion engines face issues with dirt and moisture ingress due to unsealed bearing points, leading to corrosion, mechanical failure, and complex assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating compensating and sealing elements integrated into the bearing block, which are designed to be deformable and aligned to ensure play-free insertion and sealing within the A-bearing, eliminating the need for additional components and complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sealing components are added to prevent dirt and moisture ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the bearing block itself. The bearing block is designed with an integrated sealing structure that includes a sealing lip and sealing contact surface, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. This combines the support function and sealing function into a single component, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing block performs self-sealing through its own structural features. The sealing lip and sealing contact surface are built-in to the bearing block, allowing it to seal against the bearing housing without requiring external sealing components. This self-service approach prevents dirt and moisture ingress while avoiding additional assembly steps
2Ease of operation
If bearing block is stored in A bearing with play, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to pivot point displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance parameter between bearing block and A bearing is optimized to achieve both easy assembly and stable pivot point. The bearing block is designed with specific dimensional parameters that allow for tolerance compensation while maintaining a fixed pivot point position during operation, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and reliability
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 effectively prevents contamination and mechanical failure by ensuring a sealed and stable pivot point, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the starter without requiring additional components or complex assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compensating element is designed for play-free insertion of the bearing block into the bearing
Implementation Method 2
at least one sealing element is provided for sealing the bearing block in the bearing, in particular for sealing the A bearing
Implementation Method 3
the at least one compensating element and/or the at least one sealing element being integrated into the bearing block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The machine has a bearing block (51) inserted in a housing-fixed bearing (49) for movably bearing a fork lever. The lever is coupled with a relay e.g. engagement relay. Compensating and/or sealing elements (1, 2) e.g. sealing lips, are designed for clearance-free arrangement of the bearing block in the bearing. The compensating and/or sealing elements seal the bearing with the bearing block. The compensating and/or sealing elements are integrally designed with each other. The compensating and/or sealing elements are aligned along or transverse to a mounting direction (A). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for mounting an electric machine (2) a method for manufacturing an electric machine.