Motor Sleeve Coupling for Tool-Free Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools face challenges in modular design, protection from dust and moisture, and easy assembly and maintenance, particularly in the direct mounting of motor units within the device housing.

Innovation Solution

A modular design is achieved by using a motor sleeve to couple the motor unit to the receiving unit, with a fastening unit for secure axial and circumferential fastening, and a cooling duct for efficient cooling, allowing for tool-free replacement and space-saving arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motor unit is directly mounted within the device housing, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the protection from dust and moisture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidprotection from dust and moisture
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: the motor unit, the receiving unit, and the motor sleeve. This segmentation allows the motor unit to be protected within the sealed receiving unit while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor sleeve acts as an intermediary component that couples the motor unit to the receiving unit. It provides a protective interface that seals the motor unit from dust and moisture while enabling mechanical coupling and torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the motor unit is directly mounted within the device housing, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidease of maintenance and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmentation of the motor unit, receiving unit, and motor sleeve enables independent assembly and disassembly. The motor unit can be quickly replaced by removing the motor sleeve from the receiving unit without disassembling the entire device, significantly improving maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor sleeve incorporates a dynamic bayonet locking mechanism that allows for rapid tool-free attachment and detachment. This dynamic fastening system enables the motor unit to be quickly replaced during maintenance while maintaining a secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If a modular design with motor sleeve is used, then the ease of maintenance and replacement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenance and replacementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples the motor unit to the receiving unit, provides sealing protection, enables rapid attachment/detachment through bayonet locking, and transmits torque. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor sleeve combines several functional elements into a single integrated component: the coupling interface, the sealing structure, and the fastening mechanism. This merging of functions into one component minimizes the overall number of parts while maintaining ease of maintenance and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If space-saving arrangements are implemented, then the volume is reduced, but the cooling efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace-saving arrangementsVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The motor unit is nested within the receiving unit, which is itself contained within the device housing. The motor sleeve is positioned between these components, creating a compact nested arrangement. Cooling channels are integrated within this nested structure, allowing efficient heat dissipation in a limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by creating cooling channels that extend in multiple directions around the motor unit. The motor sleeve incorporates cooling passages that wrap around the motor, maximizing heat dissipation surface area within the constrained volume of the nested arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables a structurally simple, protected, and easily maintainable motor unit with secure fastening and efficient cooling, reducing assembly complexity and costs while ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

the motor sleeve has at least one cooling duct for cooling the motor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2156537B1Electric motor comprising a receiving element
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2156537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2156537B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2156537B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical appliance, especially an electric tool, comprising a motor unit (12) provided with a motor housing (14), and a receiving unit (16) for receiving at least one drive element. According to the invention, the electrical appliance comprises a motor sleeve for coupling the motor unit (12) to the receiving unit (16).