Driving apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving apparatuses for opening/closing mechanisms, such as toilet seats or lids, face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining sufficient output and protecting internal components from overload.
Innovation Solution
The driving apparatus incorporates a motor, intermediate gear train, torque limiter, and planetary gear mechanism, where the torque limiter is positioned between the intermediate gear train and output shaft, and the planetary gear mechanism is parallel to the motor, allowing for power cutoff and miniaturization through a compact series arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the driving apparatus uses a conventional structure with motor and intermediate gear train, then sufficient output can be generated, but the attaching space becomes large and miniaturization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism is nested within the space between the motor and output shaft, with the sun gear on the motor output shaft, planetary gears rotating on planetary shafts, and the internal gear forming part of the case. This nesting arrangement allows multiple gear stages to occupy a compact volume, achieving miniaturization while maintaining sufficient output torque for rotating the toilet seat and lid.
2Area of stationary object
If the driving apparatus is miniaturized, then attaching space is reduced, but it becomes difficult to maintain necessary output and protect internal components from overload
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter acts as an intermediary component positioned between the intermediate gear train and the planetary gear mechanism. It includes friction plates that can slide relative to each other when excessive torque is applied, disconnecting the power transmission path and protecting the motor and gears from damage. This allows the compact design to maintain reliability by automatically preventing overload damage without requiring additional protective mechanisms that would increase size.
3Reliability
If the torque limiter is provided in the transmission path, then overload protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is merged with the planetary gear mechanism by positioning it between the intermediate gear train and the planetary gears, using the same power transmission path. The friction plates are integrated into the existing gear structure, allowing overload protection to be achieved without adding separate protective mechanisms. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining 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 configuration achieves miniaturization while maintaining necessary output and protecting internal components by effectively cutting off excessive torque, thus preventing damage to the gear and motor.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate gear train including at least one gear that transmits power generated by the motor; a planetary gear mechanism provided between the torque limiter and the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a torque limiter provided between the intermediate gear train and the output shaft, to enable cutoff of transmission of the power
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a driving apparatus that can be miniaturized while maintaining necessary output. A driving apparatus (1) comprises a motor (10), an intermediate gear train (20) including at least one gear that transmits power generated by the motor (10), and an output shaft (30) to output driving power to outside. Furthermore, the driving apparatus (1) comprises a torque limiter (40) provided between the intermediate gear train (20) and the output shaft (30), to enable cutoff of the transmission of the power between the intermediate gear train (20) and the output shaft (30), and a planetary gear mechanism (50) provided between the torque limiter (40) and the output shaft (30). The planetary gear mechanism (50) is disposed in parallel with the motor (10).