External Rolling Element Return Channel for Linear Guide Carriage Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guides with externally routed return systems for rolling elements suffer from reduced rigidity due to a narrower solid carriage body, leading to a loss of structural integrity and increased assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rolling element return system with a curved external channel that guides rolling elements around a rigidity-increasing central section of the guide carriage, maintaining rigidity while eliminating the need for complex internal bores and reducing weight through lightweight plastic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If return bores are drilled through the solid carriage body, then rolling elements can be returned internally, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase due to deep drilling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The return channel is extracted from the internal structure of the carriage body and routed externally along the guide rail. This eliminates the need for deep drilling through the carriage body, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and time while maintaining the rolling element return function.
Solution Approach 2:
The return path is moved from a three-dimensional internal bore through the carriage body to a one-dimensional external channel along the guide rail. This dimensional change simplifies the manufacturing process from complex deep drilling to simpler external channel formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If external return areas are used, then assembly is easier and manufacturing is more cost-effective, but the solid carriage body becomes narrower resulting in reduced rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The return channel is extracted and positioned externally along the guide rail rather than being integrated into the carriage body structure. This allows the carriage body to maintain its full width and structural integrity while still providing external return functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail serves as an intermediary structure that carries the external return channel. This mediator allows the rolling elements to be returned externally without compromising the carriage body's structural dimensions or rigidity.
3Ease of operation
If the carriage body is made narrower to accommodate external returns, then assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity and rigidity of the linear guide decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The return channel is completely extracted from the carriage body and positioned externally on the guide rail. This extraction allows the carriage body to maintain its original dimensions and structural integrity while achieving assembly simplicity through the external configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a rolling body returning channel (11) with an end region (12), where a rolling body (13) enters into the end region from a rolling body deflection region (14). The channel includes another end region (15), where the rolling body exits from the latter end region into another rolling body deflection region (16). The channel includes a trapezoidal arched region between the end regions in a mounted condition so that the channel is arranged around a rigidity increasing arrangement (18) of a guide carriage (20). The bulge points away from a guide rail. The channel is made of plastic. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a guide carriage (2) a method for returning rolling bodies in a guide carriage of a rolling bearing-mounted linear guide.