Drive Device Connector Arrangement Axial Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrally packaged motor and controller drive devices face challenges in size management as additional terminals increase the number of connectors, leading to a larger diameter of the housing, which is particularly problematic when three or more connectors are added as separate structural members.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates a connector arrangement on and around the cover that limits the overall diameter by arranging connectors at different angles and orientations within the axial silhouette of the motor, allowing for reduced space usage and preventing radial size increases, while maintaining a consistent insertion direction for external connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional terminals and connectors are added to the drive device, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the radial size (diameter) of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial arrangement of connectors to axial arrangement, utilizing the third dimension (axial direction) instead of the radial plane. Connectors are arranged along the axial direction of the drive shaft, allowing multiple connectors to be stacked in the axial dimension without increasing the radial footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between adding terminals and maintaining housing diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where connectors are positioned within the axial silhouette of the motor, with each connector potentially housing terminal groups that contain multiple terminals. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to be compacted into the available axial space without radial expansion.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are arranged radially around the housing, then ease of connection is improved, but the device complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of connectors along the axial direction rather than symmetric radial distribution. Connectors are positioned at different axial locations and orientations, creating an asymmetric layout that optimizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility for connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the axial silhouette are assigned different connector types and orientations based on local connection requirements. Each connector position is optimized for its specific function, with terminal groups arranged to facilitate ease of connection at each local position while contributing to overall compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device includes a motor and a controller coaxially disposed with the motor for controlling the motor. The drive device further includes a cover for covering the controller with an opening, and a connector part separate from the cover for connecting to an external connector. The connector part includes connectors that extend and protrude longitudinally through the opening of the cover. The longitudinal axis of the mouth of each connector in the connector part is arranged and angled differently relative to the mouths of adjacent connectors so that the connectors are positioned within an axial silhouette of the motor.