Ball Screw Nut Positioning Structure for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball screw circulation member positioning structures increase manufacturing costs and nut length due to the need for additional fixing members and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A circulation member positioning structure for a ball screw featuring a nut with a threaded channel, socket, and positioning notch, and a circulation member with a circulation portion, circulation track, and positioning protrusion, where the protrusion engages with the notch to prevent rotation and maintain a small nut diameter, using specific geometric relationships to facilitate easy assembly and minimize additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a screw member is used to position the circulation member radially (as in Taiwan Patent No. M308347), then the circulation member can be positioned, but the outer diameter of the nut increases and additional threading is required, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the circulation member itself through the positioning protrusion that engages with the positioning notch on the circulation member, eliminating the need for a separate screw member and reducing structural complexity while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from a separate screw member and integrated directly into the circulation member through the positioning protrusion and notch mechanism, simplifying the overall structure
2Reliability
If a C-type ring or screw member is used to bind the circulation member and nut together (as in Taiwan Patent No. 1262268), then the circulation member is secured, but additional assembling steps are required and the nut length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is merged into the circulation member through the positioning protrusion that engages with the positioning notch, eliminating the need for separate binding components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation member positions and fixes itself through the self-aligning positioning protrusion and notch mechanism, eliminating the need for additional fixing components and simplifying the assembly process
3Reliability
If a C-type ring or screw member is used to bind the circulation member and nut together, then the circulation member is secured, but the nut length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is integrated into the circulation member's positioning protrusion and notch mechanism, eliminating the need for separate binding components that would extend the nut length while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and fixation mechanism operates in the radial dimension through the positioning protrusion and notch engagement, rather than requiring axial extension through separate binding components, thus maintaining a compact nut length
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation member positioning structure for a ball screw includes a nut and a circulation member. The nut has a threaded channel, a socket, and a positioning notch. The socket is provided on a wall of the threaded channel and the positioning notch is provided on a wall of socket. The circulation member has a circulation portion, a circulation track, and a positioning protrusion. The circulation portion is provided in the socket of the nut. The circulation track is distributed over one lateral of the circulation portion and connects with the threaded channel of the nut. The positioning protrusion is provided on an opposite lateral of the circulation portion for being engaged with the positioning notch of the nut. Thereby, the circulation member positioning structure helps to simplify the assembling work of the circulation member and to remain the nut small despite the insertion of the circulation member.