Slim Timer Motor Assembly with Offset Baseplate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timers have bulky motor assemblies that hinder their compact integration into slim constructions, making them less suitable for space-constrained applications in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact motor configuration is achieved by positioning the motor within a baseplate and utilizing offset mounting, allowing the motor to extend beyond the baseplate's edges in a controlled manner, with features like wiring quick disconnects and mounting tabs to secure the motor, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the timer assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional motor assembly is used in the timer, then the motor can provide sufficient driving force for the timing mechanism, but the timer assembly becomes bulky and cannot achieve slim construction
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is positioned within the baseplate area, with the front end extending forward of the front side of the baseplate and the back end extending rearward of the back side. This nesting arrangement allows the motor to be integrated into the existing timer structure without significantly increasing the overall thickness, while still providing sufficient driving force for the timing mechanism through proper positioning and engagement with the gear system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing motor size in all dimensions, the invention accepts increased thickness in one dimension (motor extension beyond baseplate) while maintaining slim profile in other dimensions. The motor is oriented and positioned to extend primarily in the thickness direction, allowing the timer to achieve slim construction in the width and depth directions while accommodating the motor's power requirements through strategic positioning.
2Length of stationary object
If the motor is positioned within the baseplate area to reduce thickness, then the timer achieves a thinner profile, but the motor positioning and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is positioned asymmetrically within the baseplate area, with the front end extending forward of the front side of the baseplate and the back end extending rearward of the back side. This asymmetric positioning optimizes the motor's engagement with the gear system while maintaining a compact overall profile. The asymmetric arrangement allows for simplified mounting by aligning the motor's natural orientation with the baseplate's structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate is designed with specific local features including motor mounting openings positioned in the baseplate and an opening for receiving the motor. These localized structural modifications provide precise motor positioning and secure mounting without requiring complex positioning mechanisms throughout the entire assembly. The local quality approach concentrates the complexity in specific mounting areas rather than distributing it throughout the entire device.
3Length of stationary object
If the motor extends beyond the baseplate edges in a controlled manner, then the overall thickness is reduced, but the motor mounting and securing requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is pre-positioned and secured to the baseplate before final assembly of the timer components. The motor mounting openings are positioned in the baseplate to accommodate the motor's extended position, allowing the motor to be securely fastened in its optimal position before other components are assembled. This preliminary securing action ensures reliable motor mounting while maintaining the slim profile achieved through the extended positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A timer assembly is configured with a motor with slim construction so as to provide a thinner and more compact timer assembly. A timer assembly with a thinner profile and reduced thickness is achieved by incorporating the motor within the timer's baseplate. Additional advantages may be achieved by positioning the motor within an area defined by the baseplate and the time indicator, or by mounting the motor in an offset manner with respect to the baseplate. Further, the orientation of the motor may be changed to mount the motor to the front or rear of the baseplate to provide for an additional thickness reduction.