Motor Housing Integrated Electrical Clamping for Compressor Drive Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices with electric motors face challenges in achieving a safe and reliable electrical connection between the control unit and the electric motor, particularly in simple and efficient assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A drive device design featuring a line element receiving component within the electric motor housing with line channels and conductive contact elements that protrude through openings, allowing for secure clamping of electrical line elements, enabling a safe and reliable electrical connection through a plug-and-screw mechanism, which also facilitates the coupling of additional components like sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate control unit housing is arranged outside the electric motor housing, then the electrical connection between control unit and motor is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and additional internal connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit housing is merged with the electric motor housing by fastening them together, creating an integrated assembly. The contact elements are integrated into the motor housing structure, allowing electrical connections to be made through the housing itself rather than requiring separate connection components. This merging eliminates the need for additional internal connections and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If additional separate lines are used for connecting the electric motor, then electrical connections are established, but manufacturing effort increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and electrical connection pathways. The contact elements integrated into the housing allow the housing to simultaneously act as a connector and a structural component, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and reducing manufacturing steps while improving reliability through fewer connection points.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device comprising an electric motor arranged in an electric motor housing and a control unit arranged in a control unit housing outside the electric motor housing. The drive device is characterized in that a conductor element receiving component is arranged on the inside of the electric motor housing, the receiving component having several conductor channels through which an electrical conductor element, in particular a winding wire of the electric motor, passes, wherein an electrically conductive contact element projects into each of the conductor channels through an opening in the electric motor housing, and the contact element has at least two prongs at its free end between which the respective electrical conductor element is clamped.