Electric Motor Support System for Robotic Gearbox

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for supporting electric motors on robotic gearboxes face challenges in maintaining effective assembly and reducing stress due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to complex and unreliable attachment methods that do not fully utilize the geometry of the gearbox casing.

Innovation Solution

A support system comprising a force-absorbing part that is screwed onto the gearbox casing, with a passage hole to absorb tolerances, allowing for easier assembly by first fitting the part onto the electric motor and then securing it to the casing, potentially incorporating metal inserts for enhanced tension management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a support is press-fitted onto the electric motor and on an outer rib of the housing simultaneously, then the motor is held securely on the housing, but the assembly becomes difficult and unreliable due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two separate attachment operations: first press-fitting the support onto the electric motor body, then screwing it onto the housing casing. This segmentation allows each attachment to be performed independently, accommodating manufacturing tolerances without requiring simultaneous precise alignment of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the electric motor and the housing. It provides a force-absorbing connection point that is screwed onto the casing away from the motor fixing means, mediating the mechanical connection and absorbing forces independently from the motor mounting points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the support is force-fitted onto the electric motor and housing simultaneously, then the motor is securely held, but excessive stresses are generated on the retaining part and electric motor due to tolerance intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidstress on retaining part
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment process is segmented into two independent steps: first press-fitting the support onto the motor body, then screwing it onto the housing. This prevents the accumulation of stresses that would occur if both attachments were force-fitted simultaneously, as each step can accommodate tolerances independently without compounding stress on the retaining part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed to absorb forces and accommodate tolerance variations before they can transmit excessive stresses to the motor or housing. The force-absorbing part acts as a cushioning element that protects the motor mounting points from stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the support system is designed to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then assembly becomes easier, but the complexity of the support structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into a force-absorbing part and a fixing mechanism (screw connection). This segmentation allows the support to accommodate tolerances through the screw adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, rather than requiring a completely complex tolerance-absorbing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw connection allows for parameter adjustment (position, tension) to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. By changing the attachment method from rigid press-fit to adjustable screw connection, the system can absorb dimensional variations without requiring complex compensating structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3549240A1System for supporting an electric motor on a casing, method for mounting the motor on the casing and automated gearbox
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 AMPERE SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for supporting an electric motor (2, 3), fixed to the outside of a casing (1), consisting of a part for absorption of forces (4) of the motor on the casing, at a distance from the fixing means (2a, 3a) thereof, characterised in that the force-absorption part (4) is screwed onto the casing (1).