Oscillating Motor X-Config Flexure Compact Handle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillating motors in personal care appliances face challenges in maintaining motor efficiency and desired workpiece movement as handle sizes decrease, leading to issues with natural resonant frequency and available space.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating motor design features a stator and armature configuration with flexure elements in an X configuration, forming an angle between 55 degrees and 60 degrees, allowing the armature to move in an arcuate path, and is integrated within a small form factor handle to accommodate reduced size requirements while maintaining oscillation amplitude and shear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the handle size is decreased to make the appliance more compact and portable, then the portability and ergonomics are improved, but the available space for motor components is reduced and motor efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure elements are arranged in a crossed X configuration rather than a linear arrangement, utilizing two-dimensional spatial optimization. This allows the motor components to be packed more efficiently within the reduced handle volume while maintaining the necessary mechanical clearance for oscillation, thus resolving the contradiction between compact handle size and motor efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure elements provide dynamic mounting that allows the armature to oscillate freely while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic configuration enables the motor to maintain efficiency in a compact space by allowing controlled movement rather than requiring rigid, space-consuming mounting structures
2Volume of moving object
If the handle size is decreased, then the portability is improved, but the natural resonant frequency control becomes difficult and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The angle between the flexure elements is specifically optimized within the range of 55-60 degrees, and their effective length is set to approximately 0.8-0.9L of the total length. These parameter optimizations are designed to maintain the natural resonant frequency at optimal levels even in the reduced handle size, thereby preserving oscillation amplitude and productivity
3Device complexity
If conventional motor configurations are used in reduced size handles, then the design simplicity is maintained, but the available space for components is insufficient and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical mounting for the armature, define the oscillation axis through their crossed configuration, and act as flexible connectors that accommodate movement. This merging of multiple functions into a single structural element reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining design simplicity while efficiently utilizing the limited space in compact handles
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 efficient oscillating motion in a compact form factor, providing additional space for associated components and maintaining motor efficiency, suitable for smaller handle sizes without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a stator configured to be connectable to a source of alternating current, an armature configured to move about an axis in response to receipt of alternating current by the stator
Implementation Method 2
a first flexure element having a first end mounted to the armature and a second end mounted to the armature mount, and a second flexure element having a first end mounted to the armature and a second end mounted to the armature mount
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating motor suitable for use with a personal care appliance is provided. The oscillating motor is configured with a reduced motor envelope as compared to conventional motors in order to be suitable for personal care appliances with smaller handles.