Carriage for a linear guide system and linear guide system comprising such a carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guide systems face challenges in precisely adjusting the force required to move the carriage relative to the rail element and defining its position, leading to issues like acoustic and haptic disturbances due to a large upward clearance.
Innovation Solution
The carriage incorporates a second pair of support elements and a support spring element that biases these elements away from each other in the upward direction, complemented by rolling elements and a detent mechanism to enhance precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rolling elements are used between the carriage and the running surfaces, then friction is reduced, but the upward clearance increases leading to acoustic and haptic disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are divided into multiple pairs (first pair and second pair) arranged at different positions in the pull-out direction. Each pair independently contacts the running surfaces, distributing the support function and reducing clearance without requiring a complete redesign of the rolling element system.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pair of support elements is arranged spaced apart from the first pair in the pull-out direction, adding a spatial dimension to the support structure. This multi-position arrangement in the pull-out direction effectively reduces upward clearance while maintaining the rolling element friction reduction benefits.
2Device complexity
If a single pair of support elements is used, then the structure is simple, but the upward clearance is large causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple pairs of support elements positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each pair to independently contribute to stability, reducing the overall upward clearance without requiring a completely complex structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pairs of support elements are combined in the pull-out direction, with each pair working together to reduce clearance. The first and second pairs function collectively to provide both stability and reduced upward clearance while maintaining structural efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If rolling elements are used, then movement is smooth, but the force adjustment and position definition become imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are segmented into multiple pairs that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables precise control of the force necessary to move the carriage by adjusting individual pairs, while maintaining the smooth rolling movement provided by the rolling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pairs of support elements are positioned at different locations in the pull-out direction, allowing local adjustment of force and position characteristics. This enables precise force adjustment and position definition at specific locations while maintaining overall smooth movement.
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
This configuration reduces clearance, provides defined frictional force, and improves positional accuracy, minimizing acoustic and haptic disturbances while enhancing stability and torque absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first support spring element is supported on the base body such that the at least one first support spring element biases the sliders of the first pair of support elements away from each other in the upward direction
Implementation Method 2
each of the sliders of the first pair of support elements is frictionally engaged with a respective one of the running surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage for a linear guide system. The linear guide system includes a rail member including two running surfaces facing each other, and the carriage movable relative to the rail member in and against a pull-out direction. The carriage has a base body, a first pair of support elements and a second pair of support elements in the form of sliders and at least one first support spring element and at least one second support spring element. The second pair support elements is arranged spaced apart from the first pair of support element in the pull-out direction. Thereby, each of the sliders of the first pair of support elements and each of the support elements of the second pair of support elements is movably mounted on the base body in an upward direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction, such that each of the sliders is frictionally engageable with a respective one of the running surfaces. The at least one first support spring element is mounted on the base body such that the at least one first support spring element biases the sliders of the first pair of support elements away from each other in the upward direction. The at least one second support spring element is mounted on the base body such that the at least one second support spring element biases the support elements of the second pair of support elements away from each other in the upward direction.