Drive Casing Interface for Detachable Expansion Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechatronically-integrated electric power conversion devices lack a versatile and efficient method for attaching and detaching electric units for function expansion, limiting their adaptability and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus with a casing that includes a fixation portion and a connection portion, allowing for detachable attachment of an electric unit, which can be easily connected to an electric power control unit, enhancing versatility and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric unit for function expansion is attached to the casing, then the versatility of the drive apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional attachment and connection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed with a fixation portion and connection portion that serve multiple functions: the fixation portion mechanically attaches the electric unit while the connection portion provides electrical connection. This integrated design allows the same casing structure to support both mechanical and electrical functions, enabling versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure and electrical connection structure are merged into a single integrated design where the fixation portion and connection portion work together as a unified system. This reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to attach and electrically connect expansion units
2Reliability
If a complex attachment structure is used to ensure reliable electrical connection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to more complex assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into distinct fixation portion and connection portion, each with a specific function. The fixation portion handles mechanical attachment while the connection portion handles electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process by reducing interdependencies
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for attachment and electrical connection, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to longer assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation portion and connection portion are designed to work together as an integrated system, reducing the number of separate assembly steps. The electric unit can be attached and electrically connected in a single operation rather than requiring separate steps for mechanical attachment and electrical connection, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability through the integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A drive apparatus is provided, including: an electric motor; a gear that is mechanically connected to the electric motor; an electric power control unit that is electrically connected to the electric motor; and a casing that houses the electric motor, the gear, and the electric power control unit. The casing includes a fixation portion to which an electric unit for function expansion is attached in a detachable manner and a connection portion by which the electric unit fixed to the fixation portion is electrically connected to the electric power control unit.