Motor Housing Multifunctional Opening Cooling Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric motor housings face issues with component overheating, reduced efficiency, and potential malfunctions due to inadequate cooling, which can lead to moisture and dust ingress through ventilation openings, especially when high protection against these elements is required.

Innovation Solution

A motor housing design featuring a multifunctional opening in the lower part that allows for active cooling of electronics when needed, with an air guiding device directing airflow from the rotor, and the option to overmold the stator with a casting compound for enhanced sealing and connection, eliminating the need for additional cooling elements and reducing the risk of soiling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If ventilation openings are provided in the housing for cooling electronics, then cooling efficiency is improved, but protection against dust and moisture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronics coolingVSAvoiddust and moisture ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening in the lower housing part serves dual purposes: it enables cooling airflow to reach the electronics while also functioning as an attachment surface for the stator through the casting compound. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling openings, allowing effective cooling without compromising dust and moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the stator is overmolded with a casting compound for secure attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but cooling capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator-housing connectionVSAvoidelectronics cooling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The casting compound is applied locally only in the region of the opening in the lower housing part, rather than completely overmolding the stator. This localized application ensures secure mechanical attachment and thermal insulation where needed, while leaving the airflow path through the opening unobstructed for effective electronics cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If additional cooling components such as heat sinks or fans are added, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronics coolingVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor's own rotor serves as the cooling source, utilizing the airflow already generated during normal motor operation. The rotating rotor creates a suction effect that draws air through the opening directly onto the electronics, eliminating the need for separate cooling fans or active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Temperature

If multiple separate openings are provided for cooling different areas, then cooling coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronics cooling coverageVSAvoidhousing manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single opening in the lower housing part serves multiple cooling functions by positioning the electronics such that the rotor-induced airflow naturally covers different areas during rotation. This single multi-functional opening simplifies manufacturing compared to multiple separate openings, while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design effectively cools the motor electronics without additional cooling components, protects against dust and moisture, and provides a reliable, cost-effective connection between housing parts, enhancing the motor's operational efficiency and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

the air guide actively directs the airflow generated by the rotor during operation through the multi-function opening towards the electronics. This maximizes cooling of the electronics.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

the opening serves as an undercut opening into which the potting or overmolding compound can penetrate and fill. The penetration of the compound into the multi-functional bore creates a cost-effective connection between the compound and the lower housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2897260B1Motor housing
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 EBM PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2897260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2897260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2897260B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor housing of an electric motor having a stator and to an electric motor with a housing, wherein at least one multifunctional opening is arranged in the lower part of the housing and electronics can be arranged in the housing, is characterized in that the multifunctional opening has an air guide device for the purpose of cooling the electronics, through which an airflow can be directed towards the electronics, and alternatively has a recess on the side facing the upper part of the housing for the purpose of mechanically connecting the stator to the lower part of the housing.