Ball Screw Support Structure Using Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for ball screws are overly complex and costly to maintain, leading to low reliability and frequent belt wear or fracture, which complicates the prevention of sagging and deformation in long screws.
Innovation Solution
A simplified support structure comprising a base, pivot seats, guide rails, slanting surfaces, and a drive assembly that allows the nut unit to move freely while guiding the support seat to prevent screw deformation without pulleys or belts, ensuring longer service life and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If belts and pulleys are used to control support brackets, then the screw can be supported and deformation prevented, but the structure becomes complicated and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belts and pulleys from the support bracket mechanism, extracting the problematic components that caused complexity and maintenance issues. The support bracket is redesigned to move directly along guide rails without requiring belt-pulley transmission, eliminating the source of wear and structural complexity while maintaining the screw support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the belt-pulley mechanical transmission system with a direct guide rail-glide mechanism. This substitution eliminates intermediate transmission components, reducing structural complexity and maintenance requirements while achieving the same support function for the screw.
2Ease of operation
If belts are used to drive support brackets, then movement control is achieved, but belt wear and fracture occur reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the belts from the support bracket driving mechanism, eliminating the component subject to wear and fracture. The support bracket now moves directly along guide rails using glide blocks, removing the source of periodic belt failure and extending system service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the use of belts entirely, replacing them with a more durable direct-contact guide rail and glide block system. This substitution removes the disposable belt component that required periodic replacement due to wear, thereby extending overall system service life.
3Reliability
If support brackets with pulleys are used, then screw deformation is prevented, but maintenance cost increases due to belt wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belts and pulleys from the support bracket assembly, extracting the components that required maintenance and generated costs. The simplified direct-guidance system eliminates wear-prone elements while maintaining effective screw support and deformation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the belt-pulley mechanical transmission with a direct guide rail-glide block mechanism. This replacement eliminates the need for belt maintenance, repairs, and replacements, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance costs while preserving screw support reliability.
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 provides a reliable and low-maintenance support structure that prevents sagging and deformation of the screw, allowing for longer travel distances without the need for pulleys and belts, thus enhancing the service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The guide pin is inserted in the slot and able to slide along the first transverse section, the first engaging section, the connecting section, the second engaging section and the second transverse section
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a ball screw includes a base, two pivot seats mounted on the base, a screw disposed between the two pivot seats, at least one guide rail fixed on the base, a first guide block fixed on the base and provided with a first slanting surface, a second guide block fixed on the base and provided with a second slanting surface, a support seat slidably mounted on the guide rails and located below the screw, a nut unit sleeved on the screw and slidably disposed on the guide rails, and a drive assembly fixed at the nut unit. The support structure for a ball screw has a simple structure, a low maintenance cost and a longer service life.