Motor-Mounted Control Device with Tab Sleeve Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive devices for electronic household appliances, such as washing machines, face challenges in achieving a compact and cost-effective electrical connection between the electric motor and the control device, with existing solutions often requiring additional wiring and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates a solder-free, detachable electrical connection using a tab sleeve on the control device's printed circuit board and a flat plug on the electric motor, allowing for a compact, flexible, and inexpensive connection that can withstand relative movements between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wiring methods are used to connect the control device to the electric motor, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the device complexity and cabling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control device directly onto the motor housing, merging two previously separate components into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and connectors, reducing cabling complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct mounting and integrated connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wiring harness and intermediate connectors from the system by implementing direct electrical connection elements on the motor housing. This removes unnecessary intermediate components and simplifies the electrical connection path between the control device and motor windings.
2Ease of repair
If the control device is mounted separately from the electric motor, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control device as a separate module that can be mounted on the motor housing, allowing it to be accessed, removed, or replaced independently while maintaining a compact integrated structure. This modular approach enables easy maintenance without requiring complete disassembly of the motor unit.
3Reliability
If additional wiring and connectors are used to connect the control device, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection elements directly into the motor housing structure, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses, connectors, and associated assembly steps. This integration reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The device has an electric motor (10) for driving an assembly. A control electronics (18) is provided on a printed circuit board (16) of a control device (12), and actuates the electric motor. The control device is mounted at the electric motor, and includes an electrical connector (24) i.e. flat receptacle, which is electrically conductively connected with another electrical connector (22) i.e. flat plug, of the electric motor. The former connector is mounted on the circuit board. The latter connector contactingly engages in the former connector. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a drive device.