Motor Mounting Isolation for Movable Barrier Operators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional movable barrier opener systems, such as garage door operators, generate significant noise and vibration due to mechanical components and radial loading, which are amplified by steel frame members and additional components.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a chassis with a motor mounted through bearings within a metal frame, featuring dual motor shafts, vibration-dampening washers, and an anti-rotation stud to reduce axial and radial loads, thereby minimizing contact points and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the motor is directly mounted to the steel frame members of the drive assembly, then the structure is simple and rigid, but the vibrations from the motor are magnified by the steel frame members thereby creating more noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure comprising a motor mount plate and isolation elements (rubber isolators or dampers) positioned between the motor and the drive assembly frame. This intermediary structure decouples the direct mechanical connection, preventing vibration transmission from the motor to the steel frame members, thereby reducing noise while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite mounting structures that combine rigid materials (metal mount plate) with vibration-dampening materials (rubber isolators, foam, or viscoelastic dampers). This composite approach allows the rigid portion to provide structural support while the damping materials absorb and isolate vibrations, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and vibration reduction
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components such as an electrical box are mounted to the motor drive assembly, then the system functionality is enhanced, but the additional components amplify the vibrations of the motor and motor drive assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies isolation elements or dampers as intermediaries between the motor drive assembly and additional components like the electrical box. These isolation elements create a decoupled mounting system that allows functional components to be attached while preventing vibration amplification, thus maintaining versatility without exacerbating vibration issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate isolated zones where different components (motor, electrical box, control components) are mounted on independently isolated sections of the drive assembly. This segmentation prevents vibration coupling between components while maintaining overall system functionality
3Device complexity
If the operator motor drives a belt or chain drive on one side of the motor drive assembly, then the drive mechanism is simplified, but this creates a radial load on the motor that pulls the rotor off center, creating more vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radial load from the motor by introducing a load-isolating mechanism such as a flexible coupling or a dedicated load-bearing bracket that is separately mounted to the drive assembly frame. This allows the belt or chain drive to be maintained for simplicity while the radial load is carried by the isolated mounting structure rather than the motor rotor, preventing vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary load-isolating component (such as a flexible coupling element or vibration-dampening bearing support) between the motor shaft and the belt/chain drive. This intermediary absorbs and isolates the radial loads generated by the one-sided drive, preventing them from causing rotor off-centering and subsequent vibrations while maintaining the simplified drive mechanism
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 configuration significantly reduces noise and vibration, resulting in a quieter operation compared to conventional systems, while also simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
vibration dampening washers may be installed between the belt pulley and the bearing
Implementation Method 2
the motor may include a first shaft, a second shaft, and a third shaft... The motor is supported by a first bearing disposed in the first opening and a second bearing disposed in the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier operator includes a first side panel having a first opening and a second side panel, opposing the first side panel, where the second side panel has a second opening. The operator further includes a motor having a first side and an opposing second side including a first shaft extending in a first direction and a second shaft of the motor extending in a second opposite direction. The operator further includes a first bearing, the first bearing inserted into the first opening of the first side panel, wherein the first shaft of the motor is inserted through the first bearing and a second bearing, the second bearing inserted into the second opening of the second side panel, wherein the second shaft of the motor is inserted through the second bearing to thereby prevent transfer of vibration from the motor to the second side panel.