Eccentric Bolt Fastening for Quick Alignment of Linear Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for machine elements, such as toothed racks and linear guides, require time-consuming and cumbersome drilling and reaming processes, especially in large assemblies, which are inconvenient and generate contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system utilizing an eccentric bolt with a head section, a joining section, and an intermediate section, along with an eccentric sleeve, that allows for easy assembly and alignment without the need for subsequent drilling, using an interference fit and torque transmission means for secure and resilient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drilling and reaming processes are used to secure machine elements, then secure and permanent connection is achieved, but assembly time increases significantly and contamination from shavings occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving opening is pre-formed in the machine bed with dimensions that accommodate the eccentric bolt's pin section. The eccentric bolt and eccentric sleeve are designed with predetermined eccentricities that enable direct insertion and alignment without requiring subsequent drilling or reaming operations, thus eliminating time-consuming post-assembly machining while ensuring secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the eccentric bolt and the machine element. It facilitates the transmission of forces while accommodating misalignments through its eccentric design, enabling secure connection without requiring precise drilling and reaming of receiving openings
2Ease of manufacture
If portable drilling machines are used during assembly, then pins can be inserted, but the process becomes inconvenient and generates contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the need for portable drilling machines and reaming operations from the assembly process. By using pre-formed receiving openings and eccentric components with built-in alignment capabilities, the harmful drilling process is completely eliminated, resulting in a clean assembly process without shavings or contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric bolt and eccentric sleeve are designed to self-align and self-adjust within the pre-formed receiving opening. The eccentric geometry automatically compensates for minor misalignments between the receiving opening and the bore, eliminating the need for external drilling equipment and manual adjustment operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If eccentric bolts with adjustable eccentricities are used, then inaccuracies in receiving openings can be accommodated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric (eccentric) geometry in both the eccentric bolt and eccentric sleeve, where the pin section axis is deliberately offset from the joining section axis. This asymmetric design provides inherent adaptability to accommodate inaccuracies in receiving openings while maintaining relatively simple cylindrical structures that are easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric bolt serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection, accommodates misalignments through its eccentric geometry, and enables adjustment of the machine element's position. The eccentric sleeve similarly provides both connection and alignment compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components
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
Enables quick, clean, and secure assembly of machine elements with significant time savings, eliminating the need for subsequent drilling and accommodating inaccuracies in the receiving openings relative to the bores through the use of adjustable eccentricities.
Implementation Method 1
The diameter of the pin section corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of a receiving opening in the machine bed. Typically, the receiving opening and the pin section have a transition fit. Typically, the fit between the pin section and the receiving opening has a maximum interference of +60, typically +30
Implementation Method 2
The lateral surface of the joining section typically serves as the joining surface against which the inner circumference of the eccentric sleeve directly rests
Implementation Method 3
The head section comprises a torque transmission means, for example, an internal torque transmission means. Typical torque transmission means are internal hexagons, slots, cross slots, or other structures that allow a tool to be engaged to rotate the eccentric bolt about its longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 4
an eccentrically widening step is formed from the pin section to the joining section. The joining section, arranged eccentrically to the pin, adjoins the pin section of the eccentric bolt immediately. The diameter of the head section is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the joining section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Fastening system for a machine element (41), in particular for an elongated machine element (41), in particular for a rack or a linear guide, for fastening in an abutment (45), in particular a machine bed or a flange, comprising: an eccentric bolt (1) which includes a pin section (5) for receiving in a receiving opening (55) of an abutment (45) and a joining section (7) wherein the joining section is arranged eccentrically to the pin section (5), and an eccentric sleeve (3) for sliding onto the joining section (7).