Motor Module Solderless Electrical Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching stepper motors to automotive dashboard printed circuits require either soldering or specific deformable connection lugs, leading to increased production costs and difficulty in reusing motors on different circuits.

Innovation Solution

A motor module with interchangeable electrical contact elements that can either solder directly to the printed circuit or use deformable contacts for a solderless connection, allowing for easy removal and adaptation to various printed circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering connection tabs to the printed circuit is used, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but production cost increases and motor reuse becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost and motor reuse
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into separate components: connection tabs on the motor and corresponding contacts on the printed circuit. This allows the motor to be detached and reused while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the tab-to-contact interface, eliminating the need for permanent soldering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection tabs and contacts act as intermediary elements between the motor and the printed circuit. These intermediaries provide a reliable electrical connection without requiring direct soldering, enabling both reliability and ease of manufacture through simple mechanical insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If deformable connection lugs are used for solderless connection, then motor removal and reuse becomes easy, but production requires specialized motor designs with specific connection lugs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor removal and reuseVSAvoidmotor design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection tabs are designed with a universal geometry that can be produced using standard motor manufacturing processes. This universal design allows the same motor structure to be used across different applications while maintaining ease of removal and reuse, without requiring specialized deformable lugs.

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

3Reliability

If connectors are placed on the printed circuit and motor box is placed on the circuit, then electrical connection is established, but the process is complex and does not allow easy removal and reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidremoval and reuse simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection function and mechanical mounting function are merged into a single integrated interface. The connection tabs serve both as electrical conductors and as mechanical attachment elements, eliminating the need for separate connectors and simplifying both installation and removal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables cost-effective production and easy reconfiguration of motor modules, ensuring reliable electrical contact and stability on different printed circuits without the need for welding or specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

these particular connection lugs come into contact with electrical contact surface areas on the printed circuit and deform in order to ensure electrical contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2143189B1Dashboard indicator module formed by a motor and electrical connection means
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 SONCEBOZ AUTOMOTIVE SA
  • EP2143189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2143189B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2143189B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dashboard indicator module comprising, in a casing, a rotary motor, an output shaft, mechanical reduction means associated with the motor, at least one electrical supply coil, electrical connection tabs linked to the coils leaving said casing and electrical contact elements, characterized in that said electrical contact elements can be fitted on the connection tabs in order to produce solderless connectors on the printed circuit or even removed from the connection tabs in order to allow the connection tabs of the motor to be soldered directly to the printed circuit.