Vacuum Cleaner Motor Encapsulation for Low-Complexity Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of the electric motor in vacuum cleaners is often complicated and time-consuming due to the need for multiple fastening means, such as plates and clamps, which complicates the integration of vibration-damping elements.
Innovation Solution
The electric motor is encapsulated in a dimensionally stable, sound-insulating foamed material with a wall thickness of at least 10 mm, allowing it to be securely and form-fittingly inserted into the vacuum cleaner housing without additional fastening means, using materials like polypropylene or polyurethane foams with densities between 40-100 g/l for effective soundproofing and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fastening means (plates, clamps) are used to secure the electric motor in the housing, then the motor is firmly fixed in position, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fixation, vibration damping, sound insulation, motor mounting) into a single encapsulation component made of foamed material. This eliminates the need for separate plates, clamps, and vibration-damping elements, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable motor fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, vibration-damping element, sound-insulating element, and positioning element for the electric motor. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration-damping elements are integrated into the motor housing, then vibration protection is improved, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-damping function is merged with the structural housing element by incorporating damping material directly into the encapsulation. This eliminates separate vibration-damping components while maintaining effective vibration protection for the electric motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation uses composite foamed materials that combine structural integrity with vibration-damping properties. This allows a single component to provide both mechanical support and vibration isolation without requiring additional specialized damping elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thin-walled motor housing with vibration-damping elements is used, then vibration isolation is achieved, but the structural strength and sound insulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs foamed composite materials that provide both vibration isolation and structural strength in a single component. The foam structure inherently dampens vibrations while the encapsulation geometry and material selection ensure sufficient structural integrity, eliminating the need for thin-walled constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation is designed with varying wall thicknesses and densities in different regions to optimize both vibration isolation and structural strength locally. Thicker or denser foam sections are positioned where higher strength is needed, while maintaining effective vibration damping throughout.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional fastening means are used to secure the motor, then the motor position is precisely fixed, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation is pre-formed with integrated positioning features and mounting interfaces that automatically align and secure the electric motor in the correct position during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the housing structure eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning and fixation functions are merged into the encapsulation structure itself, which provides built-in positioning elements that guide the motor into its correct position while simultaneously securing it, thereby achieving precise positioning without additional fastening 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
This solution simplifies the assembly and ensures the electric motor is securely held in place, absorbing shocks and vibrations without deformation, while providing soundproofing and allowing for air routing and cooling, thus eliminating the need for additional fastening elements.
Implementation Method 1
the encapsulation not being part of the electric motor, and in that the unit formed in this way from the electric motor and the encapsulation is inserted into a receiving space in the housing
Implementation Method 2
dimensionally stable, sound-insulating foamed material
Data Source
AI summary
The vacuum cleaner (2) has a casing (4), and an electric motor (6) provided in an enclosure (8) made from a form-stable and particularly sound-absorbing material of a wall thickness of 12-17 millimeters. The enclosure partly surrounds the electric motor. The enclosure is not a part of the electric motor. A unit formed from the electric motor and the enclosure is inserted in the casing in complementary to a receiving area (12).