Electric Motor Connector With Sliding Interface Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting stator winding lead wires to the external power-supply circuit in electric motors require additional connections and manual intervention, leading to increased production costs and inefficiencies in automated manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

An electric motor design featuring an outer frame with a guide and two interfaces, where the lead wires are connected directly to a single connector with an arc-shaped pattern to ensure reliable connection throughout the sliding motion, eliminating the need for additional connections and enabling automated assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connector assembly methods are used with multiple separate connections, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connector components into a single integrated connector assembly. The stator lead wires are directly connected to terminal lead wires within one unified connector structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection points and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it provides electrical connection between stator and terminal lead wires, incorporates strain relief features, and includes mounting provisions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.

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

2Reliability

If manual connection methods are used for lead wires, then connection reliability is maintained, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is pre-configured with connection terminals and routing paths before final assembly. The stator lead wires can be directly inserted and connected within the integrated connector structure, eliminating time-consuming manual connection steps and enabling more efficient automated or semi-automated assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that allow lead wires to be automatically positioned and secured during assembly. The integrated design includes built-in strain relief and connection mechanisms that reduce the need for precise manual adjustment while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional connection components are used, then connection flexibility is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is designed with modular segments that can be independently configured for different connection requirements. The internal structure allows for flexible routing and connection of lead wires while maintaining a compact integrated form, providing adaptability without requiring additional separate components that would increase assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2332239B1Electric motor with improved connector
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 NIDEC SOLE MOTOR CORPORATION SRL
  • EP2332239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2332239B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2332239B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Electric motor comprising an outer frame, a stator winding accommodated within said outer frame, a connector consisting of a first and a second interface, on the first one of which there terminate the lead wires of said stator winding, and on the second one of which there terminate the connecting wires of an external circuit, and there is further provided a guide, which is associated and firmly secured to said outer frame, and in which there is able to slide said first interface; the second interface is on the contrary mounted in a fixed position relative to said guide, while, when sliding within said guide, the first interface is adapted to get into coupling with the second interface. The portions of lead wires between the stator winding and the first interface have increased lengths enabling the first interface to move into any position whatsoever within said guide and, in particular, to reach the furthermost position allowing it to get into coupling with the second interface so as to close the connector and, as a result, connect the stator to the external electric circuit.