Air-Bearing Multi-Axis Structure for Precision Motion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-precision linear motion platforms face challenges with stability, precision, and maintenance complexity due to traditional mechanical drive modes like lead screw, gear spindle, and ball linear guideways, which have limitations in positioning accuracy, wear, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A combinable multi-axis structure incorporating air-bearing tracks and tables connected by fasteners, with vibration-absorbing assemblies and magnetic-absorbing assemblies, to achieve stable and precise movement while absorbing impacts and maintaining levelness, and a suction substrate for surface cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lead screw drive is used for large-range movement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but wear increases due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional lead screw mechanical drive system with an aerostatic bearing system that uses compressed air to achieve frictionless support and movement. The air bearing eliminates direct mechanical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating friction-induced wear while maintaining high positioning accuracy through precise air pressure control and aerostatic levitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic technology through compressed air supply to the aerostatic bearing, creating a thin air film that separates the moving platform from the guide rail. This pneumatic cushion provides both support and motion control without mechanical contact, solving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and wear resistance by eliminating friction entirely.
2Measurement precision
If ball linear guideway is used for high-precision linear motion, then positioning accuracy and bearing capacity are improved, but mounting requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex ball linear guideway system with a simpler aerostatic bearing system. The aerostatic bearing requires no precision mechanical assembly of multiple components like ball recirculation mechanisms, thrust bearings, and precision rails. Instead, it uses a simple air supply system and porous material structure, dramatically reducing mounting complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerostatic bearing structure incorporates porous material that automatically distributes compressed air throughout the bearing surface, creating self-regulating air cushions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems, precise mechanical adjustments, and frequent maintenance interventions required by ball linear guideways, while maintaining consistent high-precision performance.
3Measurement precision
If aerostatic bearing is used to reduce friction, then positioning accuracy is improved, but stability decreases due to weak impact absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration isolation elements and damping structures into the aerostatic bearing system design before impacts occur. These pre-installed cushioning elements absorb and dissipate vibration and impact energy, preventing instability while maintaining the frictionless operation and positioning accuracy benefits of the aerostatic bearing. The cushioning is built into the structure rather than added as an afterthought.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerostatic bearing system uses composite construction combining rigid structural components with vibration-damping materials and porous air-distribution layers. This composite structure provides both the precision positioning capability of the aerostatic bearing and the stability and impact absorption of damping materials, resolving the contradiction between precision and stability.
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 provides high stability, precision, and impact absorptivity, improving the overall performance and convenience of the linear motion platform by preventing vibration transmission and ensuring consistent airflow, thus enhancing the device's stability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
an aerostatic bearing of the stage is used for delivering air to the track, so that the stage is air-born above the track
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnet is arranged on one of the carrier and the track, so that a magnetic-field intensity of the electromagnet is changed to reduce the longitudinal distance between the carrier and the track
Data Source
AI summary
A combinable multi-axis structure comprises: a first air-bearing track, and a plurality of second air-bearing tracks arranged in parallel and fitted with a plurality of air-bearing tables capable of moving in a length direction of the plurality of second air-bearing tracks, wherein, a plurality of mounting holes are arranged in the plurality of air-bearing tables, and the first air-bearing track is provided with a plurality of fasteners corresponding to and fitted with the plurality of mounting holes to connect the first air-bearing track and the plurality of air-bearing tables. An object of the present disclosure is to provide the combinable multi-axis structure having high stability, precision and impact absorptivity, and the linear motion platform having the structure.