Stretchable Seal Member for Automated Motor Driver Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing driver apparatuses with motor and control unit face challenges in automating the installation of seal members due to the manual deformation and assembly requirements of rubber seal members, which complicates the sealing of through holes and increases the number of work steps.
Innovation Solution
A driver apparatus design featuring a seal member made of stretchable material with a base portion, rib portion, and protruding portion, held in place by binding force between the case and fixing member, allowing for simplified and automated installation by inserting the lead wire through openings in the seal member, reducing the number of work steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber seal member with ring part and cork part is used to seal the through hole, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the installation process becomes complex and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into two functional parts: a elastomeric seal portion for sealing and a rigid positioning portion for automated installation. The positioning portion includes engagement protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the case, enabling precise positioning and automated assembly while the elastomeric portion maintains sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member transitions from a purely rubber-based structure to a hybrid structure combining elastomeric material with rigid positioning features. This parameter change in material properties and structural characteristics enables both effective sealing and automated installation by providing distinct functional zones
2Reliability
If manual assembly is used to install the seal member by deforming the ring part and engaging the cork part, then the seal member can be properly installed, but the number of work steps increases and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning portion is pre-formed with engagement protrusions that align with recesses in the case before assembly. The elastomeric seal portion is pre-compressed to the appropriate degree during manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual deformation during assembly and reducing installation to a single snap-in action
3Reliability
If a complex seal member structure with multiple parts is used, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member integrates the sealing function and positioning function into a single unified component. The elastomeric seal portion and rigid positioning portion are formed as one piece, combining multiple functions that would otherwise require separate parts while simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly steps
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
The solution enables efficient and automated installation of the seal member, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly while ensuring effective sealing of the through holes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the motor and control unit integration.
Implementation Method 1
the seal member is made of a stretchable material and is held in position solely by a binding force between the case and the first frame end
Data Source
AI summary
A seal member of a driver apparatus contacts a case and a first frame end. The seal member has an opening in which a lead wire is inserted and an inside wall surface of the opening contacts the lead wire. Further, the seal member is made of a stretchable material, and is held in position only by a binding force between the case and the first frame end. The seal member is fixedly held by the first frame end and the case after an insertion of the lead wire in the opening and disposition on the fixing member opposing face. Therefore, an installation of the seal member is performed by an inserting the lead wire into the opening and a positioning the seal member on the case.