Ball Screw Sleeve with Integrated Circumferential Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball screw designs face challenges in economically producing circumferential stops that prevent jamming between the spindle nut and threaded spindle, requiring complex alignment and separate machining steps.
Innovation Solution
A ball screw design featuring a sleeve made from sheet metal with an integrally formed circumferential stop, allowing for rotationally locked connection in various positions, simplifying assembly and eliminating the need for separate groove machining, with options for friction-fit or positive-locking connections and anti-twist protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is machined in the spindle nut in a separate production step to create a circumferential stop, then jamming is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential stop is integrated into the radial flange of the sleeve as a single formed component, eliminating the need for separate groove machining in the spindle nut. The stop and flange are created together in one shaping operation, reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining jamming prevention functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The radial flange of the sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables axial positioning, and incorporates the circumferential stop to prevent jamming. This multi-functional design consolidates several features into one component, simplifying the overall assembly
2Reliability
If the stop part is connected rigidly to the threaded spindle with precise alignment, then jamming is prevented, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve with its radial flange and integrated circumferential stop automatically positions itself relative to the spindle nut during assembly. The design allows the components to self-align through their geometric features without requiring complex external alignment procedures or precision pre-adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the sleeve and spindle nut allows for rotational adjustment to achieve the correct alignment position. This dynamic positioning capability during assembly, rather than requiring fixed rigid alignment, simplifies the assembly process while ensuring proper stop engagement
3Reliability
If separate machining of the groove in the spindle nut is performed, then the circumferential stop is created, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential stop and radial flange are formed as an integrated component in a single shaping operation using sheet metal forming processes. This eliminates the separate machining step required in traditional designs, reducing production time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a machined groove feature to a formed shaping feature created through plastic deformation of sheet metal. This parameter change in the manufacturing process allows for more efficient production through forming rather than removing material, improving productivity
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 design ensures reliable prevention of jamming by ensuring the circumferential stops contact before end surfaces, facilitating easier assembly and reducing production costs through sheet metal shaping processes, while maintaining torque transmission and anti-twist protection.
Implementation Method 1
The sheet metal can be bent in order to assume the shape of the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
balls that roll on ball groves of the spindle nut and the threaded spindle
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve can be connected by a friction-fit connection and/or by a positive-locking connection for transmitting torque to the spindle nut
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ball screw including a spindle nut arranged on a lead screw, and balls, which roll on ball grooves of the spindle nut and of the lead screw, and a circumferential stop on the screw side and a circumferential stop on the nut side, the spindle nut being arranged in a sleeve surrounding the ball nut, the sleeve is formed from sheet metal by shaping and the nut-side circumferential stop is formed integrally on the sleeve.