Ball Spline Reflow Component With Integrated End-Cover Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball spline assemblies with poor structural stability and increased assembly time due to the lack of an axial connection structure in the ball cage, which also require additional components, leading to increased volume and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A ball reflow component comprising 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
1Stability of the object's composition
If an axial connection structure is added to the ball cage, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is merged into the ball cage itself by integrating recessed portions directly into the ball cage body. The end covers with protruding portions connect to these recessed portions, forming an integrated connection system that provides axial stability without requiring separate additional connecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball cage serves dual functions: it contains the balls and provides the connection interface for the end covers. The recessed portions in the ball cage automatically align with and receive the protruding portions from the end covers during assembly, enabling self-alignment and connection without additional fastening elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an axial connection structure is added to the ball cage, then structural stability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portions are pre-formed as integral features of the ball cage during manufacturing. The protruding portions on the end covers are similarly pre-configured to match. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces enables rapid assembly through simple insertion without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the ball cage actively connect to the end covers through protruding elements, the design inverts the connection approach by providing recessed portions in the ball cage that receive the protruding portions from the end covers. This inverted connection method simplifies the assembly process and reduces assembly time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional connecting elements are used, then structural stability is improved, but volume of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is merged into the existing components (ball cage and end covers) rather than being implemented as separate external elements. The recessed and protruding portions are integrated features that utilize the existing component geometry, eliminating the need for additional connecting elements that would increase assembly volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The ball reflow component includes a ball cage, a first end cover, and a second end cover. The ball cage includes a long groove, a first recessed portions, a second recessed portions, a first side portion, and a second side portion corresponding to the first side portion. The first recessed portions and the second recessed portions are arranged on the first side portion and the second side portion, respectively. The first end cover is assembled on the first side portion. The first end cover includes a first curve and first protruding portions, and the first protruding portions are correspondingly arranged in the first recessed portions. The second end cover is assembled on the second side portion. The second end cover includes a second curve and second protruding portions, and the second protruding portions are correspondingly arranged in the second recessed portions.