Motor Mount Assembly Snap-Fit Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor mount assemblies for electric motors require additional fasteners for attachment, increasing complexity and requiring multiple inventory items, while also lacking a clear indication of proper motor positioning and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A motor mount assembly with a vibration isolator that integrates a snap-fit mechanism using protruding tabs and flexible fingers, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and providing a positive indication of proper motor attachment through sound and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional fasteners are used to attach the motor to the mount assembly, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing integrates attachment features (protruding tabs with radial stops) directly into the housing structure, merging the motor and mounting features into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure attachment through the interaction between tabs and slots with flexible fingers providing both guidance and retention
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing's own structure (end cap with protruding tabs and radial stops) serves the dual function of both motor construction and attachment mechanism. The motor essentially attaches itself to the mount assembly through its built-in features interacting with the slots and flexible fingers, eliminating the need for external fastening components
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fasteners are used for motor attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features are merged into the motor housing manufacturing process. The protruding tabs with radial stops are formed as integral parts of the end cap, eliminating the need for separate fastener manufacturing and inventory management while reducing assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the motor components, provides structural support, and simultaneously acts as the attachment mechanism through its integrated tabs and radial stops. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If simple attachment methods are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but positive indication of proper positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fingers provide tactile and audible feedback during assembly. As the motor is inserted, the flexible fingers deflect and then snap back to engage the radial stops, providing a distinct sensation and sound that confirms proper positioning and secure attachment, eliminating uncertainty without complicating the assembly process
4Ease of manufacture
If integral attachment features are used in the motor housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the motor housing design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features (tabs and radial stops) are merged into the end cap molding process. This integration is achieved through standard plastic molding techniques that can form complex geometries, so while the housing design is more complex, the manufacturing process remains straightforward without requiring additional assembly steps
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
The solution simplifies the attachment process, ensures secure motor positioning, and reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for extra fasteners, while effectively isolating vibrations from the motor.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible finger has a flexed position wherein the tip is disposed radially outwardly to allow axial assembly of the end portion of the electric motor into the compartment and a locking position wherein the tip engages the radial stop
Implementation Method 2
The vibration isolator is operable to isolate vibration associated with the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/542,542 discloses a motor mount assembly having a plastic post isolation system for isolating vibrations from an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a press in style motor attachment mount assembly. The assembly includes a motor and a vibration isolator. The motor has an end portion axially remote from the output end and a stop facing the output end. The vibration isolator includes a cup that axially receives the end portion of the motor. The cup includes an end wall, a sidewall, and flexible fingers integrally connected to the sidewall. The flexible fingers have a flexed position in which the tip of the flexible finger is disposed radially outwardly to allow axial assembly of the end portion of the motor into the cup and a locking position where the tip engages the first radial stop to prevent axial detachment of the motor from the cup.