Bellows Support Structure Using Fluid Bearings for Slide Table Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bellows support structures in machine tools and measuring machines face issues with friction and vibrations, which reduce the movement accuracy of slide tables due to contact between bellows guides and rollers, and potential vibrations from foreign matter on porous plates.

Innovation Solution

A support structure for bellows using a shaft and bush arrangement with fluid bearings, where hydraulic oil or air is supplied to reduce friction and allow the support members to move freely, and a flow rate detection unit to estimate loads on the bellows, improving movement accuracy and simplifying fluid management systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rollers are used to support the bellows on a guide, then the bellows can move smoothly, but friction is generated between the guide and rollers which reduces movement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth movement of bellowsVSAvoidmovement accuracy of slide table

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller-guide contact system with a magnetic field-based support system. Magnets are embedded in the bellows support member, and a magnetic sheet is placed on the guide, creating magnetic repulsion that supports the bellows without physical contact. This substitution eliminates friction while maintaining smooth movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air bearings by supplying air between the bellows support member and the guide. This creates a gas film that separates the moving parts, eliminating direct mechanical contact and friction while allowing smooth movement. The air pressure is controlled to maintain the bellows in a floating state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Manufacturing precision

If air is blown out from a porous plate material to levitate the bellows support plate, then contact friction is eliminated, but vibrations occur when foreign matter is placed on the porous plate which reduces movement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement accuracy of slide tableVSAvoidstability of bellows support

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the bellows support member and the guide. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact support mechanism that is not affected by foreign matter accumulation. The magnetic repulsion force provides stable support without the vulnerability of porous plate clogging or foreign matter interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a guide plate with rollers is attached to suppress bellows bending, then bellows movement is facilitated, but friction reduces movement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebellows straightnessVSAvoidmovement accuracy of slide table

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller support system with a magnetic field-based support system. The magnetic repulsion between magnets in the support member and the magnetic sheet on the guide provides both bellows straightness maintenance and frictionless movement, simultaneously achieving structural stability and high movement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 significantly reduces friction and allows smooth expansion and contraction of bellows, enhancing the movement accuracy of slide tables while estimating loads on the bellows without additional measuring instruments, thus improving operational precision and simplifying fluid management.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid bearing is formed by supplying a fluid between the bush and the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid bearing: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

an oil bearing is formed by supplying hydraulic oil between the slide table and a guide adapted to guide the slide table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic oil lubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

the bellows support plate is levitated with respect to a guide rail by air being blown out from a porous plate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir bearing: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS10280976B2Bellows support structure and slide table device

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A support structure for a bellows attached to a slide table, and which is capable of expanding and contracting in a movement direction of the slide table, includes support members that support the bellows, shafts disposed substantially in parallel with the movement direction of the slide table, and bushes that support the support member so as to be capable of moving in the movement direction of the slide table with respect to the shafts. Fluid bearings are formed by supplying a fluid between the bushes and the shafts.