Motor Brush Vibration Damping via Elastomeric Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor technologies used in vehicle air conditioning systems generate noise due to the mechanical vibrations of conductive brushes, which is a concern in quiet vehicle environments where low noise levels are required.

Innovation Solution

The motor design incorporates deformable parts, such as rubber members and gels, between the conductive brushes and the bracket surfaces to absorb and suppress the vibrations, ensuring continuous contact and reducing noise by allowing the deformable parts to deform and react to the movement of the brushes, thereby minimizing vibration and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional motor with rigid brush support is used, then the motor structure is simple, but the conductive brush generates mechanical vibrations and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmotor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A deformable part made of elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive brush and the bracket. This deformable part absorbs mechanical vibrations and reduces noise while maintaining electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket surface is modified by forming a deformable part with specific elastomeric properties. By changing the physical parameters of the contact interface (from rigid to deformable), the system achieves vibration absorption and noise reduction without significantly complicating the overall motor structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the conductive brush is allowed to move freely, then vibration is reduced, but contact stability with the commutator deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable part acts as a mediator that provides both vibration isolation and contact stability. It allows the conductive brush to maintain stable electrical contact with the commutator while absorbing harmful vibrations through its elastomeric properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable part is pre-installed between the conductive brush and the bracket to provide cushioning before vibration occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents vibration transmission while maintaining contact stability during motor operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 implementation of deformable parts significantly reduces motor noise, enhances the motor's vibration suppression, and extends the life of the conductive brushes by preventing premature wear and spark occurrence.

Implementation Method 1

a first deformable part in contact with both the first surface of the conductive brush and the first surface of the first wall part, and the first deformable part being deformable in response to movement of the conductive brush

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first deformable part being deformable in response to movement of the conductive brush

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11411456B2Motor, rotary apparatus including motor, and vehicle including air conditioning system including rotary apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • US11411456B2 patent drawing
  • US11411456B2 patent drawing
  • US11411456B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor includes an armature including a commutator, a bracket including a conductive brush and a first wall part, and a first deformable part. The conductive brush is in contact with the commutator. The first wall part includes a first surface extending along a first surface of the conductive brush. The first deformable part is in contact with both the first surface of the conductive brush and the first surface of the first wall part. The first deformable part is deformable in response to movement of the conductive brush.