Motor End Plate Ribbed Structure Shielding Power Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During the installation of electrical motors through openings or passageways, the fragile power terminal assemblies often get damaged due to interference with structural features, leading to re-work and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An end plate with a ribbed structure is coupled to the motor casing to shield the power terminal assembly, featuring a first and second rib spaced apart to capture and protect the assembly, preventing damage from external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power terminal assembly is projected outwardly to facilitate power supply, then the ease of connection is improved, but the vulnerability to damage during transit through passageways increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is designed and installed beforehand to create a protective enclosure for the power terminal assembly before the motor is subjected to potential damage during installation or operation. The ribs extend outwardly to form a cage-like structure that preemptively shields the vulnerable terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate with its ribbed structure serves as an intermediary protective element between the vulnerable power terminal assembly and the external environment. It mediates the interaction between the terminals and potential harmful factors such as impact or interference during transit through passageways.
2Ease of operation
If the power terminal assembly is projected outwardly to facilitate power supply, then the accessibility for power connection is improved, but the risk of interference with surrounding structural features increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into multiple ribs extending outwardly from the end plate, creating a modular cage-like enclosure. This segmentation allows the protection to extend into the space where the power terminal assembly projects, shielding it from surrounding structural features while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection is extended into the radial dimension by having ribs extend outwardly from the end plate in the radial direction. This creates a three-dimensional protective volume that encompasses the projected power terminal assembly, protecting it from interference with surrounding structural features while maintaining electrical accessibility.
3Reliability
If a protective structure is added to shield the power terminal assembly, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is merged with the end plate, which is an existing component of the motor assembly. The ribs are formed as an integral part of or attached to the end plate, combining the protective function with an existing structural element rather than adding a completely separate protective device.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate with its ribbed structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural end closure of the motor housing, maintains structural integrity, and simultaneously provides protective shielding for the power terminal assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
An end plate for a motor with a motor casing. The end plate includes a body adapted to be coupled to the motor casing and cover an opening of the motor casing. The body defines a ribbed structure to shield a power terminal assembly disposed laterally outwardly with respect to the motor casing. The ribbed structure includes a first rib and a second rib spaced apart from the first rib, and the power terminal assembly is adapted to be coupled to and be captured in between the first rib and the second rib.