Disc-Coupled Drive Structure for Motor Load Fluctuation Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing actuators, load fluctuations due to external forces when the motor is stopped can cause motor breakage, as the fluctuation is transmitted through the elastic spring, leading to potential motor damage unless the actuator is enlarged.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first disc, a second disc portion, and an elastic body, where the elastic body connects the second disc to the load, preventing the transmission of load fluctuations to the first disc, thereby buffering the energy and reducing the risk of motor breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the actuator uses only an elastic spring to connect the motor to the load, then the structure is simple, but load fluctuations cause motor breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmotor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the elastic body into two separate functional components: a first elastic body connecting the motor to the first disc, and a second elastic body connecting the load to the second disc portion. This segmentation allows each elastic body to specialize in absorbing specific types of fluctuations, protecting the motor while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first disc and second disc portion act as intermediary elements between the motor and load. These intermediaries decouple the direct connection, allowing the elastic bodies to absorb fluctuations independently without transmitting them to the motor, thus protecting the motor from load variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the actuator is increased in size to prevent motor breakage, then motor protection is improved, but the actuator becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidactuator size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the elastic body into two specialized components, each can be optimized for its specific function with smaller dimensions. The first elastic body handles motor-side fluctuations while the second handles load-side fluctuations, allowing both to be more compact than a single oversized elastic body would require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the elastic bodies by using two different elastic bodies with potentially different material properties, dimensions, and stiffness characteristics. This allows optimization of each elastic body's parameters for its specific location and function, achieving better protection with smaller overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If the elastic body directly connects the motor to the load, then the transmission path is short, but load fluctuations are transmitted to the motor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission path lengthVSAvoidmotor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first disc and second disc portion serve as intermediary elements that break the direct transmission path between motor and load. The first elastic body connects the motor to the first disc, and the second elastic body connects the load to the second disc portion, creating intermediate stages that filter and absorb fluctuations before they reach the motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission path is segmented into two separate elastic connection paths: one from the motor through the first elastic body to the first disc, and another from the load through the second elastic body to the second disc portion. This segmentation allows each path to independently manage fluctuations, preventing their transmission to the motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 restrains motor breakage by buffering external forces and allows for the adjustment of the load without transmitting the fluctuations to the motor, enabling the actuator to be downsized while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic body is connected to the second disc portion. The second disc portion is connected to a load. The elastic body restrains transmission of fluctuation of the load to the first disc.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4166723A1Drive device and work machine
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4166723A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4166723A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4166723A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a drive device and a work machine capable of restraining breakage of a motor. [Solution] A drive device 31 includes a first disc 330, a second disc portion 1340, and an elastic body 350. The first disc 330 is connected to a rotation shaft portion of the motor and rotates with rotation of the rotation shaft portion. The second disc portion 1340 is connected to the first disc 330 and rotates with rotation of the first disc 330. The elastic body 350 is connected to the second disc portion 1340. The second disc portion 1340 is connected to a load. The elastic body 350 restrains transmission of load fluctuation to the first disc 330.