Ball Screw Maintenance Device with Suction and Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lubrication systems for ball screws fail to effectively remove used lubricant grease and replenish fresh lubricant, leading to poor heat dissipation, metal chip accumulation, and reduced accuracy and lifespan due to continuous lubricant consumption and inadequate lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A ball screw maintenance device with recirculation elements and a suction system that removes contamination and replenishes lubricant, utilizing a circulation track and a suction tube connected to a concentration trough for efficient cleaning and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant grease is continuously added to the ball screw nut, then lubrication effect is maintained, but used lubricant accumulates causing poor heat dissipation and metal chip accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lubricant circulation system that discards used lubricant grease from the ball screw nut and recovers fresh lubricant for replenishment. A suction groove removes contaminated lubricant while a supply groove introduces new lubricant, preventing accumulation of thickening agents and maintaining proper heat dissipation while ensuring continuous lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static lubrication system into a dynamic circulation system. The lubricant continuously flows through the ball screw nut via supply and suction grooves, enabling real-time removal of contaminants and heat, rather than relying on static grease that accumulates over time.
2Reliability
If lubricant grease is continuously added to the ball screw nut, then lubrication is maintained, but the lubrication system must remain in standby condition causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous lubrication action through a circulation system that constantly supplies fresh lubricant and removes used lubricant. The supply groove continuously delivers new lubricant while the suction groove simultaneously removes contaminants, eliminating the need for standby conditions and associated energy waste.
3Reliability
If lubricant grease is continuously added without removal, then lubrication is maintained, but accuracy of the ball screw reduces and lifespan shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lubricant circulation system that discards lubricant grease and contamination from the interior of the nut, clean up the interior of the nut and replenish fresh lubricant. A suction groove removes used lubricant containing thickening agents and metal chips, while a supply groove replenishes fresh lubricant, maintaining accuracy and extending lifespan.
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 device ensures effective removal of contamination and replenishment of fresh lubricant, improving heat dissipation and extending the lifespan of the ball screw by maintaining optimal lubrication conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction tube connected to the concentration trough to allow contamination to be removed out of the interior of the nut
Implementation Method 2
a ball screw with maintenance device which comprises: a screw shaft, which has an outer circumferential surface in which a rolling groove is formed; a nut, which comprises a bore formed therein to receive extension of the screw shaft therethrough, the bore having an inner surface in which a rolling channel is formed
Implementation Method 3
the characteristic of high viscosity of the lubricant grease (which is made by adding a thickening agent in lubricant oil so as to thicken the lubricant oil and turn into lubricant grease) helps persistently keep the lubricant grease inside the nut to provide an effect of lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A ball screw with maintenance device includes a screw shaft including a helical rolling groove; a nut having an outer circumferential surface in which at least two mounting holes is formed; two recirculation elements, which are mounted to the nut and each having a through hole having an open end set in a spacing distance from the rolling groove; a fixing cover mounted to the outer circumferential surface of the nut and includes a concentration trough formed therein. The through hole has an end communicating with the concentration trough. The concentration trough is connectable to a suction tube or an oil/grease supply tube. The suction tube can remove contamination from the interior of the nut through the through hole, and the part that has been cleaned up with the suction tube can be replenished with fresh oil/grease with the oil/great supply tube to achieve complete maintenance of the ball screw.