Motor Integrated Connector Enclosure Flame Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stepper motors in industrial applications face challenges in containing fires or sparks within their confines, especially in environments with corrosive materials, and there is a need for a design that can withstand combustible gases while preventing the escape of flames and hot gases.
Innovation Solution
The motor design incorporates a shell made of metal or alloy surrounding the stator-rotor portion, with a labyrinth joint and sealant-filled wire through holes to prevent the escape of flames and hot gases, and an integrated connector enclosure with corrosion-resistant materials to maintain internal pressure and prevent fluid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor uses conventional wiring holes and open connector designs, then ease of manufacture and electrical connectivity are achieved, but flames and hot gases can escape from the motor in industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector enclosure with the end bell structure, creating an integrated fire containment system. The connector enclosure is formed as an integral part of the end bell, eliminating the need for separate fire containment structures while maintaining both electrical connectivity and flame containment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector block is nested within the connector enclosure that is formed as part of the end bell. The wiring holes pass through the end bell and into the connector enclosure, creating a nested structure where the connector enclosure is contained within the end bell structure, providing fire containment while accommodating electrical connections.
2Reliability
If the motor uses standard connector designs, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but corrosion-resistant protection in industrial environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enclosure is merged with the end bell structure, allowing both components to be manufactured as a single integrated unit. This integration enables the use of corrosion-resistant materials and coatings on the entire assembly without requiring separate manufacturing processes for the connector enclosure and end bell.
Solution Approach 2:
The end bell and connector enclosure can be manufactured using composite materials that provide both structural integrity and corrosion resistance. The integrated structure allows for the application of corrosion-resistant coatings or the use of materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys that resist corrosive industrial environments.
3Reliability
If the motor allows open wiring holes for conductor passage, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but fluid entry into the motor is permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring holes pass through the end bell and terminate within the connector enclosure, creating a nested structure. This design allows electrical conductors to pass through the end bell while the connector enclosure acts as a barrier that prevents fluids from following the conductors into the motor interior, thus maintaining both electrical connectivity and fluid protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector enclosure serves as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the motor interior. It provides a transition zone where conductors can be connected while preventing fluids from entering the motor, thus mediating between the need for electrical connectivity and the need for fluid protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor is disclosed. The motor includes a first end bell, a second end bell and a stator with a stator coil disposed between the first end bell and the second end bell. A rotor with a rotor shaft is disposed relative to the stator, the rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator and the rotor shaft extending through the first end bell. The second end bell includes a first wall and a chamber, the first wall adjacent to the stator. The first wall includes a wire through hole to permit a plurality of conductors of the stator to pass through the first wall and into the chamber. A connector block with a plurality of terminals are disposed within the chamber. Ends of each of the plurality of conductors are electrically connected to one of the plurality of terminals of the connector block.