Ball Screw Thermal Dissipation via Thermoelectric Cooler
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball screws face challenges in thermal dissipation, leading to inaccuracy and noise due to temperature rise, and existing cooling solutions complicate the structure, increase weight, and size.
Innovation Solution
A ball screw design incorporating a thermoelectric cooler with a heat-absorptive and heat-dissipative surface mounted to the screw nut, which absorbs and dissipates heat without the need for cooling liquids, maintaining a simpler and lighter structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling liquid or oil is used for thermal dissipation, then the cooling effect is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the complex liquid circulation system and implements it through a simple heat dissipation structure integrated into the ball screw assembly. The heat dissipation structure directly contacts the balls and screw rod to conduct heat away, eliminating the need for separate cooling channels, pumps, and liquid circulation systems while maintaining effective thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation structure is merged with the ball screw assembly itself, forming an integrated unit. The heat dissipation structure includes components that directly contact the balls and screw rod, combining the cooling function with the mechanical transmission function in a single compact structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity and weight
2Temperature
If cooling liquid or oil is used for thermal dissipation, then the cooling effect is improved, but the weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy cooling liquid and associated circulation equipment from the system, replacing them with a lightweight solid heat dissipation structure. This structure conducts heat directly from the balls and screw rod to the surrounding environment through thermal conduction and radiation, achieving effective cooling without the weight penalty of liquid cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation structure is integrated into the ball screw assembly, sharing the same structural space and materials. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling components and reduces the overall weight by utilizing the existing structural mass of the ball screw for heat dissipation purposes
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
Effectively cools the ball screw, reducing inaccuracy and noise while minimizing weight and size, enhancing precision and service life through efficient thermal dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric cooler is mounted to the screw nut and includes a heat-absorptive surface and a heat-dissipative surface. The heat-absorptive surface is adhered to the mounting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball screw capable of thermal dissipation is formed of a screw rod, a screw nut, and a plurality of balls mounted between the screw rod and the screw nut. The screw nut includes a mounting surface. A thermoelectric cooler is mounted to the screw nut and includes a heat-absorptive surface and a heat-dissipative surface. The heat-absorptive surface is adhered to the mounting surface. Accordingly, the ball screw can cool the heat down and is structurally simple and the whole weight is not increased due to the thermoelectric cooler.