One-Piece Ball Screw Deflectors for Quieter, Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex structure of ball deflection units in ball screw drives leads to increased costs and potential assembly errors, and existing solutions often require multiple components and complex manufacturing processes, contributing to operational noise and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A simplified ball return system featuring two identical, one-piece deflection elements that guide balls between the spindle nut and threaded spindle, with a deflection channel and shovel-shaped lifting regions to manage ball circulation, reducing noise and assembly complexity by eliminating the need for multiple components and complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional multi-component ball deflection systems are used, then ball circulation function is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate ball deflection components into a single integrated ball deflection unit. This unit combines the ball lifting function, ball guiding function, and ball return function into one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and reducing assembly complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ball deflection unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it lifts balls from the ball channel, guides them through the deflection channel, and returns them to the ball channel. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining complete ball circulation functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If complex ball deflection structures are used, then ball circulation is ensured, but manufacturing costs and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functional elements into a single ball deflection unit, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. Instead of manufacturing and assembling multiple separate components, only one component needs to be manufactured, reducing production complexity and cost
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ball deflection systems are used, then ball return function is achieved, but operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball deflection unit incorporates curved deflection surfaces and rounded transition zones that guide balls smoothly through the deflection channel. These curved geometries eliminate sharp edges and abrupt direction changes, reducing ball impact noise while ensuring reliable ball circulation
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 reduces assembly errors, lowers operational noise, and simplifies production by using fewer components, ensuring reliable ball circulation and improved assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The balls are lifted radially outwards from the ball groove in the lead screw nut and guided inside or outside the nut in a channel or tube (deflection channel)
Data Source
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AI summary
A deflection element (10) is a component of a ball return system of a ball screw drive, designed for lifting balls in and out of a ball channel between the spindle nut and the threaded spindle of a ball screw drive. It is designed as a single piece and essentially comprises three functional units (100, 200, 120): a position element (100), a deflection element (200) with a scoop-shaped lifting region (205), and a deflection surface (210) for the balls in and out of a ball channel 120. All surfaces of the deflection element intended for guiding balls are designed as open channels.The associated method for assembling such a ball recirculation system comprises providing two one-piece, identical deflection elements (10) of the described type, providing a pre-assembled assembly consisting of at least one spindle nut and a threaded spindle, wherein the spindle nut has two inwardly directed openings, inserting the deflection elements (10) into the openings; introducing a plurality of balls into the ball screw drive and securing the ball recirculation system by attaching a cover sleeve to the spindle nut.