Electrical Assembly Motor Control Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical assemblies are complex and often lack the ability to efficiently control motors in multiple directions and allow for free rotation, which limits their functionality in applications such as vehicle seats.

Innovation Solution

An electrical assembly comprising multiple switches and a motor, where the switches are configured to switch between states to connect the motor to a power source, ground, or an open circuit, enabling rotation in different directions and allowing for manual operation by disconnecting from the power source, thereby minimizing mechanical resistance during manual folding or movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to control motor in multiple directions, then the control functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor direction controlVSAvoidswitch configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into four independent switches (first, second, third, and fourth switches), each capable of independent operation. Each switch can independently connect or disconnect the motor terminals, allowing granular control over motor operation states including forward rotation, reverse rotation, and free rotation, thereby achieving multiple directions control while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each switch is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple roles: the first switch can connect first terminal to power source for forward rotation or disconnect for free rotation; the second switch can connect second terminal to ground for reverse rotation or disconnect for free rotation. This universal design allows the same switch structure to handle multiple control functions, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motor is connected to power source and ground, then the motor rotation capability is improved, but the mechanical resistance increases during manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor rotationVSAvoidmanual rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection state of the motor is made dynamic through the switch mechanism. The system can dynamically transition between connected state (motor under electrical control for powered rotation) and disconnected state (motor terminals opened by switches, allowing free rotation without electrical resistance). This dynamic switching enables the motor to adapt between powered operation and manual operation modes, eliminating mechanical resistance during manual folding or movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The four switches act as intermediaries between the power source/ground and the motor terminals. When manual operation is required, the switches mediate by opening the circuit connections, effectively disconnecting the motor from the electrical system while maintaining the physical structure intact. This intermediary mechanism allows seamless transition between powered and manual operation without direct mechanical intervention in the electrical circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a versatile and efficient means to control motor direction and enable free rotation, reducing mechanical resistance during manual operation, thus enhancing the functionality of electrical assemblies in applications like vehicle seats.

Implementation Method 1

The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and/or the fourth switch may include a respective coil that may be configured to be energized by a controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10862413B2Electrical assembly
Publication Date: 2020.12.08 LEAR CORP
  • US10862413B2 patent drawing
  • US10862413B2 patent drawing
  • US10862413B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical assembly includes a motor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The first switch may be connected to a first contact of the motor, and/or the second switch may be connected to a second contact of the motor. The third switch may be connected to the first switch, and/or the fourth switch may be connected to the second switch. The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and/or the fourth switch may be configured to switch the electrical assembly between a first state, a second state, and/or a third state. If the electrical assembly is in the first state, at least one of the first contact and/or the second contact of the motor may be connected to an open circuit, and/or the motor may be configured to rotate freely.