Window Lift Motor Bearing Layout for High Torque in Less Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive apparatuses for vehicle window lifters face challenges in achieving compact design while providing sufficient torque and efficient operation, often restricted by conventional motor unit positioning and shaft axis orientation.
Innovation Solution
The drive apparatus features a bearing element that connects the stator to the drive housing, allowing for an external-rotor motor design with a large rotor diameter, reducing axial length, and an oblique shaft axis orientation, which increases the rotor diameter and reduces the motor unit's axial length, enabling a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional motor unit positioning and shaft axis orientation is used, then the drive apparatus structure is simpler, but the axial length is larger and torque generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a conventional shaft axis orientation to an oblique shaft axis orientation. This angular reorientation allows the rotor diameter to be increased while reducing the axial length, effectively trading one spatial dimension for another to achieve both compact size and high torque generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by using an oblique shaft axis orientation instead of a symmetric conventional orientation. This asymmetric configuration enables the external rotor motor to achieve optimal torque generation with reduced axial length, creating an unbalanced but highly efficient spatial arrangement
2Power
If the rotor diameter is increased to enhance torque, then the torque generation improves, but the overall motor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the spatial orientation of the shaft axis to an oblique angle. This allows the increased rotor diameter to be accommodated within a more compact overall volume by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently, thereby enhancing torque without proportionally increasing the motor unit size
3Length of moving object
If a compact design is pursued to reduce structural size, then the axial length is reduced, but the torque generation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric oblique shaft axis orientation to simultaneously achieve compact axial length and high torque generation. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the spatial relationship between the stator, rotor, and bearing element, allowing both compact dimensions and powerful torque output to coexist
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 enhances torque generation, reduces structural size, and allows for better utilization of available space, providing a compact and efficient drive apparatus with improved operational characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing element may in particular have advantageous sliding characteristics for the bearing of the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for adjusting a covering element of a vehicle includes an output element for adjusting the covering element; a motor unit that has an electric motor with a stator, a rotor, and an input shaft that is connected to the rotor and is rotatable about a shaft axis for driving the output element; and a drive housing that at least partially encloses the motor unit. The stator is connected via a bearing element to a stationary housing section of the drive housing, wherein the bearing element has a bearing opening in which the input shaft is supported such that it can rotate relative to the stator.