Ball Spline Groove Structure for Switchable Angular Play
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball spline structures face difficulties in allowing the spline shaft to rotate relative to the spline nut by a small angle, limiting their flexibility and functionality in applications requiring torque transmission and axial movement.
Innovation Solution
The ball spline device incorporates raceway grooves with varying widths and a transition section, enabling the spline nut to switch between constrained and non-constrained positions with the spline shaft, allowing for synchronous rotation or a wobble amount, facilitating connection with external components and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the raceway groove maintains a uniform width throughout its length, then the ball spline structure achieves strict transmission ratio and reliable torque transmission, but the spline shaft cannot rotate by a small angle relative to the spline nut
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway groove is segmented into two distinct sections: a first groove section with a first width and a second groove section with a second width greater than the first width. This segmentation allows the rolling body to occupy different positions along the axial direction, enabling the spline shaft to rotate relative to the spline nut when the rolling body is in the second groove section, while maintaining strict transmission ratio when the rolling body is in the first groove section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the raceway groove are given different local qualities through varying widths. The first groove section has a narrower width that constrains the rolling body for precise torque transmission, while the second groove section has a wider width that permits angular rotation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both strict transmission and angle adjustment capabilities in different regions of the same component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the raceway groove width varies along the axial direction, then the spline shaft can achieve small angle rotation relative to the spline nut, but the transmission ratio becomes less strict
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, uniform raceway groove to a dynamic configuration where the rolling body can move axially between two groove sections with different widths. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between two operational states: one with strict transmission ratio (rolling body in first groove section) and one with angular adjustability (rolling body in second groove section), resolving the precision-adaptability contradiction through state transitions.
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 enables the ball spline device to transmit torque and force while allowing a small wobble amount, improving flexibility and ease of connection with other components, reducing wear and vibration, and enhancing the functionality of automated guided vehicles and stereoscopic warehouse systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first rolling body, movably disposed in the raceway groove along the axial direction, so as to achieve relative movement of the spline nut and the spline shaft
Implementation Method 2
when the spline nut is in a first position, the first rolling body is in the first groove section, and cooperates with the first groove section in a constrained manner, so as to cause synchronous rotation of the spline nut and the spline shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A ball spline device includes a spline shaft, the outer side wall provided with raceway grooves extending in the axial direction, each raceway groove comprising, a first groove section and a second groove section, and the width of the second groove section being greater than that of the first groove section; a spline nut coaxially fitted over the spline shaft; and first rolling bodies. When the spline nut is located at a first position, the first rolling bodies are located in the first groove sections and in constraint fit with the first groove sections; and when the spline nut is located at a second position, the first rolling bodies are located in the second groove sections, such that the spline nut and the spline shaft have a preset movement amount in the circumferential direction. Further provided are an automated guided vehicle and a stereoscopic warehouse system.