Cover Strip Fixing in Linear Guide Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guides face challenges in effectively sealing mounting holes, leading to dirt accumulation and increased wear, which affects the accuracy and service life of the system.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped cover strip with angled side sections is inserted into a longitudinal groove on the guide rail, secured by holding elements with elastic contact areas that exert a holding force, creating a positive or non-positive fit to prevent dirt entry and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mounting holes in the guide rail are left open for fastening, then ease of assembly is improved, but dirt accumulation in the bores increases leading to increased wear and reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A cover strip is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the mounting holes while allowing fastening screws to pass through. The cover strip has a top side with an opening configured to receive the fastening screw, enabling assembly while preventing dirt from entering the mounting holes. This mediator solves the contradiction by providing both protection and assembly capability.
2Reliability
If the cover strip is fixed directly to the guide rail, then sealing is improved, but the complexity of the fixing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover strip is designed to be self-fixing by pressing its bottom side against the guide rail. The friction between the cover strip and guide rail surface provides the necessary holding force, eliminating the need for additional fixing elements like clips, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. This self-service approach achieves reliable sealing while maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If sealing plugs are used to close the mounting holes, then sealing is improved, but the homogeneous surface in the direction of movement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover strip is segmented to include a top side with an opening for screw access and a bottom side for pressing against the guide rail. This segmentation allows the top surface to remain homogeneous for movement while the bottom provides sealing functionality. The opening in the top side enables fastening screw passage without compromising the external homogeneous surface.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive bonding is used to fix the cover strip, then simplicity of application is improved, but durability and service life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding (chemical system) with a mechanical pressing system. The cover strip's bottom side is pressed against the guide rail, utilizing friction and normal force for fixation. This mechanical approach provides superior durability and service life compared to adhesives, while maintaining ease of application through simple pressing action.
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 effectively seals the mounting holes, reducing wear and maintaining the accuracy and service life of linear guides by ensuring a secure and durable attachment of the cover strip within the groove.
Implementation Method 1
The holding element (118) has a holding section (122) facing the cover strip (112), which is designed so that it can exert an elastic holding force on the angled side sections (114) of the cover strip (112)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a concept for fixing a cover strip (112) in a longitudinal groove (104) of a guide rail (102), wherein the cover strip (112) serves to cover bores (108) ending in the longitudinal groove (104), which extend in a first direction (110) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide rail (102), wherein the cover strip (112) has angled side sections (114) which point in the direction of the longitudinal axis when the cover strip (112) is inserted into the longitudinal groove (104).At least one retaining element (118; 318; 718) is provided, which has a pin (120; 320; 620; 720) at an end facing a bore (108) for engaging in the bore (108), and which has a retaining section (122; 322; 622; 722) facing the cover strip (112) in the assembled state, which is designed to exert a retaining force in a second direction (124) on the angled side sections (114) of the cover strip (112) when it is inserted into the longitudinal groove (104), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail (102) and perpendicular to the first direction (110).