Elastic Eccentric Drive Unit for Quiet Reciprocating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units that convert rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion for personal-care devices are often costly and noisy, and require complex control systems, making them inefficient and unsuitable for low-cost, low-noise applications.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit comprising a motor shaft with an eccentric shaft element and an elastically deformable unit that converts rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion without meshed gears or frictional connections, using a deformable unit with arm sections to store and release energy, ensuring efficient and silent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If meshed gears or frictional connections are used to convert rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion, then the conversion mechanism is robust and reliable, but the device becomes noisy and consumes more power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces meshed gears and frictional connections with an elastic deformable unit that uses elastic deformation to achieve motion conversion. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of mechanical friction and gear meshing, resulting in a quieter and more energy-efficient system while maintaining reliability through the elastic properties of the deformable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the conversion mechanism by using an elastically deformable unit instead of rigid mechanical components. The elastic deformation of the unit allows for smooth motion conversion without the impact and friction associated with traditional mechanical systems, thereby reducing noise and power consumption while maintaining functional reliability
2Productivity
If complex control systems are used to achieve efficient motion conversion, then the productivity and precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformable unit automatically converts rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion through its inherent elastic properties without requiring external control systems. The unit deforms and recoils in response to the rotary input, self-regulating the motion conversion process and eliminating the need for complex electronic controls, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic vibration and deformation of the deformable unit to achieve efficient motion conversion. The unit's natural elastic oscillation in response to rotary input creates the desired linear reciprocating motion, leveraging mechanical properties rather than electronic control to improve productivity while keeping the system simple
3Ease of manufacture
If standard, low-cost components are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the noise level and efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves low-cost manufacturing by using an elastically deformable unit made from standard materials such as rubber or elastomers, which are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The elastic properties of these materials inherently reduce noise and improve efficiency compared to traditional mechanical components, allowing the system to maintain low manufacturing costs while avoiding the harmful effects of noise
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
The solution provides an efficient and low-noise conversion of rotary motion to linear reciprocating motion, reducing power consumption and noise, while using standard, low-cost components and avoiding complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first eccentric shaft element that is arranged eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft so that in operation the first eccentric shaft element moves on a circle around the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastically deformable unit having a coupling element arranged for coupling with a driven element... wherein the first eccentric shaft element is coupled with the deformable unit to periodically deform the deformable unit
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for converting a rotational motion into a linear reciprocating motion includes a motor shaft extension having at least a first eccentric shaft element moving in a circle around the motor shaft's longitudinal axis and in a plane perpendicular thereto and at least one elastically deformable unit having a coupling element for coupling with a driven element. The first eccentric shaft element is coupled with the deformable unit to periodically deform the deformable unit so that a longitudinal position of the motor shaft of the coupling element of the deformable unit periodically changes. The deformable unit has a first arm section and a second arm section, each having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm section is connected to the first end of the second arm section, wherein the first end of the first arm section is connected to a mounting structure fixed relative to the motor. The second end of the second arm section is arranged with a distance to the first end of the first arm section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft.