Encoder Fixing Assembly with Universal Sealing Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for attaching encoders to rotating electrical machines require different rear bearing support versions, increasing the complexity and number of parts for manufacturers and making after-sales encoder installations difficult.

Innovation Solution

A modular fixing assembly that allows encoders to be attached to rotating electrical machines without modifying the bearing support, using a sealing part with a central opening and a cover that houses the encoder's rotating part, ensuring compatibility for machines with or without encoders, and including a perforated mounting disc and screws for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different rear bearing support versions are used for machines with and without encoders, then the encoder can be securely attached, but the number of parts to manage increases and the difficulty of adding an encoder during after-sales increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoder attachment securityVSAvoidnumber of bearing support versions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing support is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both encoder-equipped and non-encoder machines. A sealing piece with a central opening is provided, which can be mounted on the bearing support to create an encoder installation space when needed, eliminating the need for different bearing support versions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder attachment system is segmented into separate components: the bearing support, the sealing piece, the end piece, and the cover. The sealing piece can be removably mounted on the bearing support to create an encoder installation space when needed, allowing flexibility without changing the base bearing support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bearing support is modified to accommodate an encoder, then the encoder can be installed, but the machine cannot be easily customized or modified during after-sales

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoder installation capabilityVSAvoidafter-sales customization ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic configuration where the sealing piece can be removably mounted on the bearing support to create an encoder installation space when needed. This enables machines to be customized at the latest stage, including during after-sales, without permanent modifications to the bearing support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a seal piece is provided with a central opening for encoder passage, then the encoder can be installed without modifying the bearing support, but the sealing capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoder installation flexibilityVSAvoidsealing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing piece acts as an intermediary component between the bearing support and the encoder. It features a central opening that allows the encoder shaft to pass through while maintaining sealing capability through sealing lips that prevent lubricant leakage and contaminant ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3545609B1Assembly for fixing an encoder to a rotating machine
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 MOTEURS LEROY SOMER
  • EP3545609B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3545609B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for fixing an encoder (40) to a rotating machine, comprising a shaft (11) and a rear bearing support (22) having an opening (24) in which a shaft end (14) is engaged, the assembly comprising an end piece (30) designed to fix to the shaft end and to rotate a rotating part of the encoder, and a sealing part (70) at least partially extending into the opening (24).