Worm Gear Axle Enlarged Diameter Reduces Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear mechanism units for motor vehicle actuating drives, such as window lift drives, face deformation issues due to high toothing forces, which can lead to instability and increased manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A gear mechanism unit with an axle having an enlarged diameter area for mounting the worm gear, featuring an outer and inner ring with radially oriented stabilizing ribs, and made from high tensile modulus plastic material like polypropylene with long glass fiber reinforcement, eliminating the need for a steel axle and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel axle is used to prevent deformation during operation, then the strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the plastic material composition to include 30% long glass fibers, which fundamentally changes the mechanical properties of the plastic. This allows the plastic axle to achieve steel-like strength and deformation resistance without requiring complex manufacturing processes or additional securing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining plastic with long glass fiber reinforcement. This composite structure provides the necessary strength and stability to resist high toothing forces during operation, eliminating the need for steel axles while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the axle diameter is increased to distribute surface pressure, then the stability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of long glass fiber reinforced plastic allows the axle to maintain stability with optimized dimensions. The composite material provides high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the axle to resist deformation and distribute surface pressure effectively without requiring excessive diameter increases that would add unnecessary weight.
3Reliability
If additional securing elements are added to prevent worm gear detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the axle and gear mechanism housing into a single integrated component made from long glass fiber reinforced plastic. This unified structure provides inherent securing capability against worm gear detachment through the enhanced mechanical properties of the composite material, eliminating the need for separate securing elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gear mechanism unit for a motor vehicle actuating drive has a gear mechanism housing (1), an axle (2) which is fixedly connected to the gear mechanism housing, and a worm gear (5). The worm gear is provided at its outer periphery with a toothing (6). The axle, in its axial region which is provided for mounting the worm gear, has a region (2a) which is of larger diameter than its other axial regions (2e).