Tool-Free Substrate Attachment for Compact Drive Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive devices require tools for attaching substrates to frame members, limiting space reduction and increasing assembly complexity due to the need for screw-based fixation.
Innovation Solution
A drive device design that uses a protrusion from the frame member and elastically deformable claws on the substrate to securely attach the substrate without tools, allowing for tool-free assembly and reduced volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw is used to attach the substrate to the frame member, then the substrate is securely fixed, but a tool workspace is required and the volume of the drive device cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the substrate itself by providing a dedicated engagement structure (protrusion with engagement groove) on the frame member. This separates the support function (substrate supporter) from the fastening function (engagement structure), allowing the substrate to be securely attached without requiring external tools or additional workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure on the frame member and engagement groove on the substrate are designed to work together in a self-contained manner. The resilient arm with claw automatically engages with the protrusion when the substrate is positioned on the substrate supporter, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the substrate without external intervention or tools.
2Reliability
If a screw is used to attach the substrate to the frame member, then the substrate is securely fixed, but the number of assembly work steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure features a resilient arm with a claw that automatically engages with the protrusion on the frame member when the substrate is placed on the substrate supporter. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual screwing operations, reducing assembly steps and improving productivity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a resilient claw engagement mechanism. The resilient arm stores elastic energy during insertion and releases it to create a secure locking force, substituting complex multi-step mechanical assembly with a single-step elastic engagement process.
3Ease of manufacture
If a tool workspace is reserved for using a screwdriver, then the substrate can be attached, but the implementation space for electronic components on the substrate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the substrate surface by providing a dedicated engagement structure on the frame member. This allows the substrate to be securely attached through the engagement groove and claw mechanism without requiring any portion of the substrate surface to be reserved for tool access, maximizing the available area for electronic component implementation.
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 tool-free attachment of substrates, reducing assembly steps and allowing for more compact designs, particularly suitable for applications like electric power steering apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an engager fixedly disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of elastically-deformable claws that engagingly hold the protrusion in a binding manner
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device includes a motor, having a stator on which a winding wire group is wound, a rotor disposed relative to the stator, and a shaft rotating in one body with the rotor are included, a controller disposed on one axial end of the motor and having a substrate on which electronic components for controlling a power supply to the winding wire group are implemented, a frame member facing the substrate and having a substrate supporter that supports the substrate in a contacting manner, a boss protruding from the frame member toward the substrate, and an engager fixedly disposed on the substrate and having elastically-deformable multiple claws that engagingly hold the boss in a binding manner. This arrangement reduces the volume of the drive device.