Rolling Element Belt with Segmented Restraint for Linear Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guide devices experience increased noise and vibration due to rubbing between rolling elements, leading to premature wear and inefficient operation, and the assembly process is labor-intensive and prone to errors, particularly with the alignment of end portions in infinite circulating passages.
Innovation Solution
A rolling element accommodating belt with varying degrees of restraint for rolling elements, featuring restraint and no-restraint sections, allows for easier assembly and reduced wear on connecting members by aligning rolling elements in infinite circulating passages while preventing excessive tensile forces and interference, and adjusting the phase of end portions to minimize vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rolling elements are circulated in infinite circulating passages without restraint, then the assembly process is simplified, but rubbing between rolling elements occurs causing increased noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The infinite circulating passage is segmented into multiple sections with different restraint characteristics. Some sections have restraint members that prevent rolling elements from coming into contact with each other, while other sections allow free circulation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both noise reduction (through restraint) and assembly simplicity (through selective restraint zones).
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the infinite circulating passage are given different local qualities regarding restraint. Specifically, certain sections incorporate restraint members while others do not, creating a heterogeneous structure that addresses both the noise problem (in restrained sections) and the assembly problem (in unrestrained sections).
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rolling elements are restrained in all directions, then noise and vibration are reduced, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint function is segmented so that only specific sections of the infinite circulating passage have restraint members. This reduces the overall complexity of assembly compared to full restraint, while still achieving noise and vibration reduction in the critical sections where restraint is provided.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than applying uniform restraint throughout the entire infinite circulating passage, the invention applies restraint locally only in specific sections. This local quality approach reduces assembly complexity and labor requirements while maintaining the noise and vibration reduction benefits where needed.
3Device complexity
If end portions of rolling element accommodating belts are aligned in the same phase, then the structure is simplified, but excessive tensile forces and interference occur leading to premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the positioning of end portions of rolling element accommodating belts by deliberately错相 (misaligning) them. This asymmetric arrangement prevents the rolling elements at the end portions from simultaneously entering the same section, thereby reducing excessive tensile forces and interference on connecting members, and extending their lifespan.
4Ease of operation
If rolling elements are allowed to move freely, then the operation is smooth, but rubbing between adjoining rolling elements occurs causing early abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The infinite circulating passage is divided into restrained and unrestrained sections. In unrestrained sections, rolling elements can move freely maintaining smooth operation. In restrained sections, restraint members prevent rubbing between adjoining rolling elements, extending their lifespan. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between smooth operation and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the passage have different local qualities: some sections allow free movement for smooth operation, while other sections provide restraint to prevent rubbing and extend rolling element life. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between operational smoothness and component durability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a rolling element accommodating belt having a rolling element accommodating section for individually accommodating a plurality of balls at predetermined intervals while the plurality of balls are rolling and circulating in an infinite circulating passage of linear guide, the rolling element accommodating belt accommodates the balls in the rolling element accommodating section and aligns the balls in the direction of aligning balls in the infinite circulating passage. The rolling element accommodating section includes: a restraint accommodating section for restricting the accommodated balls in all directions; and a no-restraint accommodating section in which the accommodated balls are not restrained at least in one direction.