Motor Drive Coupling With Vibration Damping for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor assemblies in architectural coverings, such as roller blinds and window coverings, generate significant noise due to vibrations between components, causing nuisance and discomfort to users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of drive couplings with vibration-absorbing materials, such as elastic rings made of nitrile rubber, and sound-dampening materials in valances to reduce noise by isolating vibrations and absorbing sound waves, thereby minimizing the number of parts and components, which decreases manufacturing costs and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex coupling devices with many parts are used to connect motor output shaft to driven member, then connection reliability is improved, but noise level increases due to vibration of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes intermediate coupling components from the drive train, creating a direct connection between the motor output shaft and the driven member (roller tube or lift rod). This elimination of intermediate parts reduces the number of vibration sources while maintaining reliable power transmission through the direct coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the drive coupling, combining materials with different damping properties to reduce vibration transmission. The coupling device uses composite structures that absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, thereby reducing noise while maintaining connection reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration-absorbing materials and sound-dampening materials are added to reduce noise, then noise level is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise reduction function with existing structural components rather than adding separate vibration-absorbing elements. The drive coupling itself is designed to incorporate vibration-damping characteristics, and the valance is integrated with sound-dampening materials, combining multiple functions into unified components to avoid increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible membrane structures and thin film materials for sound dampening in the valance. These thin, flexible layers effectively absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission without adding significant bulk or complexity to the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fewer parts and components are used in drive coupling, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but vibration isolation capability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters and structural geometry of the drive coupling to achieve vibration isolation without adding components. By optimizing parameters such as material damping coefficients, coupling stiffness, and geometric dimensions, the single integrated coupling device effectively isolates vibrations while remaining simple to manufacture.
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 effectively reduces noise levels from 37 decibels to 32 decibels in audible frequencies, creating a quieter environment and extending the useful life of architectural coverings by minimizing wear and tear on components.
Implementation Method 1
drive couplings with vibration-absorbing materials, such as elastic rings made of nitrile rubber
Implementation Method 2
elastic rings made of nitrile rubber
Implementation Method 3
sound-dampening materials in valances to reduce noise by isolating vibrations and absorbing sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus can be used to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.