Asymmetrical Plastic Spindle Nut for Higher Axial Load Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding screw drives with plastic spindle nuts face limitations in service life and versatility under high loads, requiring stronger materials like steel, and struggle with maintenance and lubrication issues.

Innovation Solution

A spindle nut with a larger internal thread profile sectional area and optimized asymmetrical geometry, made from engineering plastic with rounded transitions and multi-start threads, allowing for higher axial loads and reduced vibrations, suitable for various applications without lubricants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the internal thread of the spindle nut is made with conventional symmetrical geometry, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the load capacity and service life are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidthread geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the internal thread with a non-symmetrical profile where the engagement surface area between the spindle nut and spindle is optimized. The thread flanks are designed with different angles and contact areas to maximize load distribution and engagement, thereby increasing load capacity while maintaining manufacturability through standard threading processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If the profile sectional area of the internal thread is increased to improve load capacity, then higher axial loads can be sustained, but the spindle nut dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial load capacityVSAvoidspindle nut volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the increased profile sectional area specifically in the thread engagement zones where loads are transmitted, rather than uniformly increasing the entire spindle nut volume. The thread design features localized material distribution with enhanced engagement surfaces at critical load-bearing positions while maintaining a compact overall nut geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional plastic materials are used for the spindle nut, then maintenance is reduced, but service life is limited under high loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidstrength under high load
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by using fiber-reinforced plastic materials for the spindle nut, combining plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers (such as glass, carbon, or aramid fibers). This composite structure provides both the maintenance-free advantage of plastic and the enhanced strength and durability required for high-load applications, significantly extending service life compared to conventional plastics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If the thread engagement area is optimized for higher loads, then load capacity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread engagement strengthVSAvoidthread geometry precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the thread geometry parameters (such as flank angles, root radii, and pitch) to achieve a balance between load capacity and manufacturability. The design incorporates rounded thread roots and optimized engagement surfaces that distribute stresses more evenly, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining high load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3129678B1Spindel nut with asymmetrical internal thread and corresponding lead screw drive
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 IGUS SE & CO KG DE
  • EP3129678B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3129678B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a lead screw drive (10) and a spindle nut (12) for converting a rotational movement into a longitudinal movement or vice versa, wherein the internal thread (20) of the spindle nut and the external thread (30) of the spindle are of asymmetrical configuration with respect to one another. At least the internal thread (20) of the spindle nut or the entire spindle nut (12) is manufactured from plastic. The external thread (30) of the spindle has a higher strength. It is provided according to the invention that the internal thread (20) of the spindle nut (12) has a thread cross section, in which that profile section face (S1) of the thread spiral (21) which is intended for engagement into the thread (32) of the spindle (11) is greater, in particular is greater by a factor of at least 1.2, than the free thread section face (S2) of the thread (22) of the spindle nut (12).