Brushless DC Motor Waterproofing for Underwater Rescue Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electromechanical and electrohydraulic rescue tools are not suitable for underwater use due to lack of water resistance, posing a risk in rescue operations where tools must function in wet environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a brushless direct-current motor and potting compound to protect electronic components, along with waterproof insulation and connections, allowing the tool to operate underwater without complex sealing measures, ensuring operational reliability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tools are used underwater, then rescue operations can be performed in wet environments, but the tools fail due to lack of water resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderwater usabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing systems with a brushless direct-current motor design that eliminates mechanical connections between the motor and external environment. The motor's electronic components are sealed within the housing, eliminating the need for complex sealing mechanisms while enabling underwater operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motor type from conventional AC motors requiring complex sealing to brushless direct-current motors with integrated sealing. This parameter change in motor technology enables underwater operation without compromising reliability, as the BDC motor design inherently provides water resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex sealing measures are implemented on the housing, then water resistance is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sealing function from complex housing-level sealing measures and integrates it into the motor design itself. The brushless direct-current motor is designed with inherent sealing capabilities, removing the need for separate complex sealing mechanisms on the housing and simplifying the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sealing function with the motor assembly by using a brushless direct-current motor design where the motor housing and sealing are integrated into a single component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If protective measures against water ingress are added to the housing, then operational reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against water ingressVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive complex sealing mechanisms with a brushless direct-current motor design that provides water protection through its inherent sealed construction. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving reliability, as the BDC motor's sealed design eliminates the need for additional protective measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the tool to function effectively underwater without the need for complex sealing, enhancing operational reliability and safety in rescue situations, such as vehicle recoveries in water, with minimal design changes and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a brushless direct-current motor is provided as the electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the electronic components of the printed circuit board are enclosed with potting compound to prevent water from entering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The control line itself usually has a waterproof insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11911639B2Portable tool for mobile use

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 LUKAS HYDRAULIK

AI summary

A mobile portable tool, such as a spreading device, cutting device or combined device with cutting and spreading function includes a housing. An electric motor is located in the housing. The tool includes a rechargeable battery or a connection to an external electrical energy source. The tool is a mechanically or hydraulically driven and has a displaceable piston rod spreading and/or cutting and/or lifting and/or pressing work. An electronic open-loop and closed-loop control unit controls the electric motor and includes a printed circuit board and control cables with a connector for transporting control signals. For under water operation while still having a simple design, the electric motor is a brushless direct-current motor. The electronic components of the printed circuit board are enclosed by a potting compound to prevent water entering, and the connector of the control cable is protected against the ingress of water.