Electric Motor Earth Connection via Dedicated Contact Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor designs require additional installation space and complex steel spring clips for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), which complicates the earth connection and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor with a stator composed of layered metal sheets and a conductive motor support, utilizing a connecting and contacting element made of electrically conductive material to establish an earth connection independently of the motor support, eliminating the need for screws and complex clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel spring clips are used to fasten the housing and cover, then secure fastening is achieved, but additional installation space is required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening function into two separate components: steel spring clips for securing the cover to the housing, and screws for fastening the motor support to the stator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall space requirement compared to using large clips for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel spring clips serve a dual function: they provide electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding and simultaneously fasten the cover to the housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms, reducing installation space and component count.
2Strength
If a sufficient number of steel spring clips are provided to fasten the housing and cover, then satisfactory fastening is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into steel spring clips for cover attachment and screws for motor support attachment. This division allows the use of simpler, fewer clips since they only need to secure the cover, not the entire motor assembly, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel spring clips perform multiple functions: EMC shielding and cover fastening. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the total number of parts needed compared to using separate clips and EMC shields.
3Strength
If screws are used to fasten the stator to the motor support, then secure connection is achieved, but the earth connection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the mechanical fastening function (screws) from the electrical connection function (connecting and contacting element). This segmentation allows the earth connection to be established independently through a dedicated conductive element, simplifying the overall design by clearly defining the role of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting and contacting element acts as an intermediary component that provides the earth connection between the stator and motor support. This intermediary element simplifies the design by dedicating a specific component to the electrical connection function, rather than relying on the fastening screws to provide both mechanical and electrical connections.
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
This solution provides a space-saving, cost-effective earth connection that simplifies the assembly process and offers greater design flexibility by decoupling the earth connection from the fastening mechanism, reducing the need for large steel spring clips.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connecting and contacting element made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the connecting and contacting element is constructed and arranged on the electric motor such that it provides an earth connection between the stator and the motor support
Implementation Method 2
a stator, which is composed of layered metal sheets
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric motor, the electric motor including: a stator, which is composed of layered metal sheets, a motor support made of an electrically conductive material, a cable connection comprising an earth line cable, and at least one connecting and contacting element made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the connecting and contacting element is configured and arranged on the electric motor such that it provides an earth connection between the stator and the motor support or between the stator and the earth line cable of the cable connection, and wherein the stator and the motor support are fastened to one another independently of the connecting and contacting element.