Ball Nut Multiliner Return Channels for Multistart Thread Grooves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiliners for ball screw assemblies are designed only for single start threads of short lead lengths and do not effectively manage the recirculation of bearing balls past intermediate thread grooves, leading to inefficiencies in force transfer and ball retention.
Innovation Solution
A multiliner design with a body featuring ball return channels and a retaining region that includes a slot or fully enclosed channel to prevent bearing balls from falling out radially, allowing them to travel past multiple thread grooves by positioning openings axially offset and using undercuts to secure the balls within the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional multiliner design is used for single start threads, then the bearing balls can be returned to the same place in the loop, but the multiliner cannot effectively manage bearing balls in multistart threaded systems with intermediate thread grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The multiliner is divided into multiple separate ball return channels, with each channel dedicated to a specific thread start. This segmentation allows the multiliner to independently manage bearing balls from different thread starts, preventing balls from dropping into intermediate thread grooves while maintaining reliable retention for each start.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiliner acts as an intermediary component between the multistart threaded shaft and the ball nut body. It mediates the ball recirculation process by providing dedicated return paths that guide balls from each thread start without allowing them to fall into intermediate grooves, thus ensuring reliable ball retention in complex multistart configurations.
2Length of stationary object
If the multiliner openings are positioned close together, then the device structure is compact, but bearing balls cannot effectively travel past intermediate thread grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The ball return channels are configured to extend axially along the multiliner body, utilizing the axial dimension to provide sufficient travel distance for bearing balls to pass intermediate thread grooves. This axial extension allows the multiliner to maintain a compact radial profile while ensuring effective ball recirculation through extended axial pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball return channels are nested within the multiliner body structure, with channels positioned to efficiently guide balls past intermediate grooves. The nested configuration allows the channels to be compactly arranged while maintaining the necessary axial extension for effective ball recirculation in multistart thread systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiliner for a ball nut, a ball nut and a ball screw assembly are provided. Methods of forming the multiliner are also provided. The multiliner includes return channels that are configured to prevent bearing balls from falling out of a retaining region in a radial direction. This allows bearing balls to travel past intermediate grooves formed in a cooperating threaded ball screw shaft.