Anti-slip Device for Preloaded Rolling Guide Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-resonant linear or rotary positioning devices with preloaded guides face limitations in service life due to rolling element migration, which reduces the usable stroke and requires high forces to reset, making it difficult to combine with anti-slip devices that can block the drive.
Innovation Solution
A non-resonant linear or rotary positioning device with an inertial or multi-actuator drive, a preloaded roller guide, and an anti-slip device that applies a force less than the drive's sliding friction force to reset rolling elements to their target position, preventing macroscopic migration without damaging the drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rolling elements are clamped between the stationary rail and the movable carriage with high preload, then the positioner can carry very high loads and external forces are well kept away from the sensitive actuators, but the rolling elements migrate to the end stops and the usable stroke is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the drive continuously monitors the position of rolling elements and applies corrective forces to counteract migration. The control system detects when rolling elements approach end stops and automatically adjusts the drive output to push them back toward the center of the stroke range, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal positioning throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system performs self-correction by automatically detecting and correcting rolling element migration without external intervention. The integrated sensor and control system enables the drive to monitor its own operational state and autonomously adjust parameters to prevent stroke loss, making the system self-maintaining during operation.
2Reliability
If an anti-slip device is added to prevent rolling element migration, then the restoring force blocks the movement of the drives as well as the end stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static anti-slip device to a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts the restoring force based on real-time conditions. The drive applies variable forces that adapt to the current operational state, allowing the system to prevent migration when needed while maintaining full drive mobility when migration is not occurring. This dynamic approach replaces fixed mechanical constraints with adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operational parameters including the magnitude and direction of restoring forces applied to rolling elements. By adjusting these parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, the system prevents migration during idle periods while allowing unrestricted drive movement during active positioning operations, thus resolving the contradiction between prevention and operability.
3Force
If the sliding friction forces of the rolling elements are reduced by reducing the preload, then the advantages of the preloaded guide are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function of the guide system into two independent components: the preloaded guide structure that maintains high load capacity, and the actively controlled rolling element positioning system that manages friction forces. This segmentation allows the guide to operate with optimal preload for strength while the control system independently manages the friction characteristics through precise positioning, decoupling the two previously conflicting requirements.
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 maintains the benefits of preloaded guides while preventing rolling element migration, allowing for long-term operation and increased cumulative distances without service intervals, enabling the use of these drives in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sum of the sliding frictional forces of the rolling elements in the preloaded guide corresponds approximately to the force that must be applied to cause the cages holding the rolling elements to slip in a preloaded guide
Implementation Method 2
For use in micro and nano positioners, the rolling elements in the cage are preferably clamped between the stationary rail and the movable carriage without play in the case of short-stroke guides. This is also referred to as a prestressed leadership.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5a
Figure 5b~7a
AI summary
Non-resonant linear or rotary positioning device comprising at least one inertial or multi-actuator drive, at least one preloaded rolling guide and at least one direct or indirect anti-slip device for the rolling elements, wherein the anti-slip device does not block the drive although the sliding friction force of the drive is less than the sum of the sliding friction forces of the rolling elements in the preloaded guide.