Axle Compensation Module With Linear Bearing Groups for High Moment Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle compensation elements are prone to damage under high operating loads due to insufficient resistance to bending and torsional moments.

Innovation Solution

The axle compensation module features a linear guide system with at least three bearing groups, each with two linear roller bearing units, and a spring element that compresses a pressure chamber, allowing for increased resistance to retraction strokes and high loads, while a media filling system provides additional rigidity during dynamic movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a one-piece axle compensation element is used, then the structure is simple, but it is prone to damage under high operating loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidresistance to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The axle compensation element is divided into multiple modular components including a housing, cover group, base group, and bearing groups. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while distributing mechanical loads across multiple elements, thereby improving overall reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the axle compensation module is designed for high moment loads, then it can withstand high loads, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to bending and torsional momentsVSAvoidnumber of bearing groups and linear guide system
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear guide system with multiple bearing groups enables dynamic load distribution along the longitudinal direction. The system can adapt to varying moment loads by distributing forces across multiple bearing points, providing high strength capability while maintaining a manageable device complexity through systematic arrangement of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the spring element pushes the cover group and base group apart, then the module is in extended position when unloaded, but the resistance to retraction stroke increases with increasing retraction stroke

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextended position when unloadedVSAvoidresistance to retraction stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is pre-loaded to provide a cushioning force that resists compression of the pressure chamber. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the module naturally extends when unloaded while providing progressive resistance to retraction strokes, protecting the system from excessive compression forces before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Stability of the object's composition

If media pressure is applied during dynamic movement, then the rigidity of the axis increases, but additional complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity during dynamic movementVSAvoidmedia filling system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A media filling system with a pressure chamber is integrated into the axle compensation module. During dynamic movements, media pressure can be applied to the pressure chamber to significantly increase the rigidity of the axis. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach provides variable stiffness control without requiring substantial structural modifications, balancing the added complexity with significant performance benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 module withstands high loads and maintains stability by limiting deformation, preventing damage and enhancing rigidity, especially during dynamic movements, thus ensuring the integrity of the robot axes.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (121) which pushes the cover group (21) and the base group (71) apart

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The rolling elements roll on both the base assembly and the cover assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

The linear rolling bearing units each have several cage-guided needles or rollers as rolling elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

During dynamic movement of the robot axes, high media pressure can be applied. This increases the rigidity of the individual axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 5

the cover assembly and the base assembly are guided relative to each other in a longitudinal direction by means of a linear guide system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear guide:

Data Source

PatentEP4345327B1Axle balancing module
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ZIMMER GUNTHER
  • EP4345327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4345327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4345327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an axle compensation module as an intermediate flange assembly of a linear axis, comprising a housing with a cover assembly and a base assembly loaded relative to it by means of a spring element. The cover assembly and the base assembly are guided relative to each other in a longitudinal direction by means of a linear guide system. Furthermore, the linear guide system has at least three bearing groups, each with two linear rolling bearing units. The present invention provides an axle compensation element for high moment loads.