Gear Unit Locking Component for Secure Motor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission units and electric geared motors face challenges in securely attaching electric motors to carrier elements without unintentional loosening or detachment, especially in limited installation spaces, and require complex fastening arrangements that increase space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a transmission unit with a locking component and a motor locking element that allows for positive or non-positive attachment, featuring a radial stop and a motor locking element with undercuts or segments for secure positioning and locking, enabling flexible assembly and reduced fastening elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex fastening arrangement with multiple fastening elements is used to securely attach the electric motor to the transmission unit, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfastening arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking component and locking unit are integrated into a single unified structure that combines multiple fastening functions. The locking component includes both the radial stop feature and the locking mechanism with undercuts, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radial stopping to prevent axial displacement, creates positive locking through undercuts to prevent rotational loosening, and enables flexible positioning through segments. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening components

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

2Reliability

If traditional fastening arrangements with multiple fastening elements are used, then the connection security is improved, but the installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the radial stop and locking mechanism into a single locking component that attaches to the motor housing, the invention consolidates multiple fastening functions into one compact element, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to traditional arrangements with separate fastening elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking component is designed to attach directly to the motor housing and enclose the segments, creating a nested structure where the locking mechanism integrates within the existing motor assembly footprint, minimizing additional space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the electric motor is designed with larger dimensions and more fastening elements to ensure secure attachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different installation spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segments distributed around the circumference of the locking component enable dynamic adaptation to different installation positions and orientations. The motor can be rotated to align with different installation spaces while the locking component maintains secure attachment through its radial stop and undercut locking mechanism, providing versatility without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a locking mechanism with radial stop and undercuts is used, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radial stop and undercut locking features are integrated into a single locking component structure rather than being separate elements. This merging reduces the number of parts to assemble while maintaining the simplicity of the assembly process, as the unified structure requires fewer assembly steps despite providing multiple locking functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3482104B1Gear unit, electric gear motor and seat
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 KEIPER SEATING MECHANISMS CO LTD
  • EP3482104B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3482104B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3482104B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a gear unit (G), comprising at least one gear housing (2) with at least one locking component (2.4, 2.4') for the form and/or force-locking mounting of an electric motor (1) to the gear unit (G), wherein the locking component (2.4, 2.4') is configured as a circumferential edge or flange collar (5), in which a number of undercuts (2.4.1, 2.4.1') are incorporated, in which the electric motor (1) can be locked by means of a form or force-locking connection. The gear housing (2) comprises an additional locking unit (4) as an additional radial stop, which locking unit can be pressed into the locking component (2.4) to achieve a locked state. The invention further relates to an electric gear motor (GM), comprising at least one electric motor (1) and a gear unit (G), wherein the locking component (2.4, 2.4') can be form and/or force-lockingly connected to the motor locking element (A, A'). The invention further relates to a seat (S) with an electric gear motor (GM) according to the invention.