Motor Unit Deformation Sensor for Printing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor units in printing apparatuses face challenges in evaluating the state of output shafts without disrupting operation, as existing methods require removing the motor and occupy additional space for measurement units, making it difficult to assess shaft accuracy and detect deformation due to vibration.
Innovation Solution
A motor unit with a reduction drive and deformation sensors mounted on elastically deformable support plates, allowing for in-situ detection of vibration-induced deformation without the need for motor removal, using load cells or piezoelectric elements to monitor resistance or voltage changes, thus enabling continuous operation and space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a shaft accuracy measuring device is used to evaluate the output shaft state, then measurement capability is improved, but the device requires removing the motor from the apparatus and occupies additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation sensor is integrated into the reduction drive housing, merging the measurement function with the existing drive structure. This eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and motor removal, as the sensor directly monitors the output shaft state within the apparatus during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction drive housing itself serves as the mounting structure for the deformation sensor, allowing the existing component to provide both mechanical function and measurement support. This self-service approach eliminates additional space requirements and complex mounting structures
2Productivity
If the motor is operated continuously for productivity, then production output is improved, but the state of the output shaft and sliding members cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation sensor enables continuous monitoring of the output shaft state during motor operation. By integrating the sensor into the reduction drive housing, the system maintains both continuous production operation and continuous measurement capability without requiring motor removal or interruption of useful action
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
Enables predictive maintenance by monitoring vibration states to predict motor failure and service lifetime, preventing unexpected stops and enhancing productivity by allowing for timely replacement or repair without halting the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation sensor may be a load cell in which resistance varies according to the deformation, or a piezoelectric element configured to generate a voltage according to the deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A motor unit includes a motor including a motor side output shaft extending in a Z direction, and a reduction drive, wherein the reduction drive includes a housing, a reduction drive side output shaft extending in the Z direction, a toothed gear group configured to transmit rotation of the motor side output shaft to the reduction drive side output shaft with the rotation being decelerated, and a deformation sensor configured to detect deformation occurring due to vibration of the motor.