Elevator Motor Connector Cover Shielding Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric connectors in elevator systems are prone to damage from mechanical impacts and liquid penetration, leading to potential short circuits and malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A protective cover is designed to encase the electric connectors, featuring a metal construction for electromagnetic shielding, with a flange to prevent liquid ingress and a U-shaped sectional contour for easy mounting, ensuring the connectors are safeguarded from mechanical harm and liquid exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electric connectors are exposed for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical impact and liquid damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnector protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric connector is nested within a recess in the housing, which is further protected by a cover that can be placed over the housing. This nested structure allows the connector to remain accessible for connection while being physically protected from mechanical impacts and liquid exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the electric connector. It provides a protective barrier that shields the connector from harmful factors while still allowing the connection function to be performed when the cover is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electric connectors are protected from mechanical impact and liquids, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidprotective structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the electric connector from mechanical impact, shields against liquid exposure, and can be integrated with the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover is merged with the housing structure, where the housing itself provides part of the protection through its recess design. This integration combines the protective functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate, complex protective systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the housing is made of metal for electromagnetic shielding, then reliability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidhousing weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Metal material is applied locally only to the housing structure where electromagnetic shielding is required, rather than making the entire device heavy. The cover and other components can use lighter materials, achieving selective electromagnetic protection without excessive weight increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 cover effectively shields electric connectors from mechanical impacts and liquid exposure, enhancing the reliability and durability of elevator systems by preventing damage and electrical failures.

Implementation Method 1

The cover and the bottom plate may be made of metal for shielding electromagnetic emissions which are generated when the electric motor is operated.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3534505B1Electric motor for an elevator system and elevator system comprising such a motor
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3534505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534505B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3534505B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electric motor (20) for an elevator system (2) comprises a housing (25) extending in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis (A) and a cover (22) attached to a front face of the housing (25). The cover (22) comprises an open space (24) formed around the longitudinal axis (A). At least one electric connector (38, 40), which is electrically connectable with component of the electric motor (20), is arranged within said open space (24).