Ball Spline End Cover Structure for Fast Stable Axial Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball spline assemblies face challenges with poor structural stability and increased assembly time due to the lack of an axial connection structure in the ball cage, which also leads to higher production costs and volume due to the need for additional components.
Innovation Solution
A ball spline assembly design featuring a ball cage with recessed portions and end covers with protruding portions that can be axially assembled without additional connecting elements, reducing the overall volume and improving stability, while the guide grooves enhance ball circulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If no axial connection structure is added to the ball cage, then the production cost and volume are reduced, but the structural stability and assembly speed are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is merged into the end cover itself, with protruding portions integrated directly into the end cover body. This eliminates the need for separate connection components while providing stable axial connection through the protruding portions that engage with recessed portions on the ball cage.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cover provides its own connection function through the integrated protruding portions, eliminating the need for external connection elements. The structure serves dual purposes: enclosing the ball spline assembly and providing axial connection to the ball cage simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If no axial connection structure is added to the ball cage, then the production cost is reduced, but the assembly time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portions are pre-formed as integral features of the end cover during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection features eliminates the need for additional assembly steps to install separate connection components, thereby reducing overall assembly time while maintaining simple structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional connection elements are added to improve stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the volume and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is merged into the existing end cover structure through integrated protruding portions. This eliminates the need for additional separate connection elements that would increase volume, while the protruding portions provide stable connection by engaging with corresponding recessed portions on the ball cage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball spline assembly (100) and a ball reflow component are provided. The ball reflow component includes a ball cage (20), a first end cover (30), and a second end cover (40). The ball cage (20) includes a long groove (23), a first recessed portions (211), a second recessed portions (221), a first side portion (21), and a second side portion (22) corresponding to the first side portion (21). The first recessed portions (211) and the second recessed portions (221) are arranged on the first side portion (21) and the second side portion (22), respectively. The first end cover (30) is assembled on the first side portion (21). The first end cover (30) includes a first curve (34) and first protruding portions (323), and the first protruding portions (323) are correspondingly arranged in the first recessed portions (211). The second end cover (40) is assembled on the second side portion (22). The second end cover (40) includes a second curve (44) and second protruding portions (423), and the second protruding portions (423) are correspondingly arranged in the second recessed portions (221).