Ball Screw Nut Channels Replacing Milled Return Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball screw drives are complex and expensive to produce due to the time-consuming machining required for the transfer channel in the spindle nut, particularly the milling of slotted grooves, which complicates mass production.
Innovation Solution
The use of pressed-in channels in the lateral surface of the spindle nut, combined with a drive element and catch element, allows for simultaneous pressing of axial channels during manufacturing, reducing the need for complex milling and enhancing production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional milling methods are used to create transfer channels in the spindle nut, then the channels can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical milling operations with a pressing operation to create transfer channels in the spindle nut. The pressing process uses a pressing device to directly form the channels by applying pressure, eliminating the need for complex milling machinery and multi-step machining operations. This substitution of mechanical systems simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from rotational cutting (milling) to compressive force application (pressing). By using a pressing device that applies controlled pressure to the spindle nut material, the transfer channels are formed through plastic deformation rather than material removal. This parameter change enables simpler tooling and faster production cycles.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressed-in channels are used in the spindle nut, then production costs are reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but additional elements like drive elements and catch elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transfer channel function with the drive element positioning function. The pressed-in channels serve dual purposes: they guide the balls and simultaneously provide tracks for the drive elements and catch elements. By combining multiple functions into the same structural feature, the overall device complexity is managed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressed-in channels in the spindle nut are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. They act as transfer channels for ball circulation, positioning tracks for drive elements, and guidance paths for catch elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby controlling device complexity while achieving cost-effective manufacturing.
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
This method simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and enables more cost-effective mass production of ball screw drives.
Implementation Method 1
at least two radially outwardly open channels which are oriented axially in parallel and which are manufactured by being simultaneously pressed into the lateral surface
Data Source
AI summary
A ball screw drive having a threaded spindle and a spindle nut enclosing the spindle coaxially. At least two radially outwardly open channels are oriented axially in parallel and are simultaneously pressed into the lateral surface, the channels open toward a common front face of the spindle nut. Balls circulate in a helical ball race in the space between the spindle and the nut. A ball return guide has two ball deflectors and a transfer channel running therebetween. A drive element is operatively connected coaxially to the spindle nut and applies a torque onto the spindle nut. The operative connection between the drive element and the spindle nut is formed by a contact surface with a connecting contour and a catch element (designed such that in the assembled state it engages in one of the channels. The ball screw drive can be used as an actuating element.