Integrated Feed Screw Nut Structure for Compact Motion Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed mechanisms, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, suffer from increased part count and are not suitable for downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A feed mechanism with a reduced number of parts, featuring a torque generation member with a female thread engaged with the feed screw, housed in a housing hole orthogonal to the feed screw, to prevent displacement and generate torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two nuts (main nut and secondary nut) with an elastic body are used to generate torque and prevent movement, then the torque generation and movement prevention functions are achieved, but the number of parts increases and the mechanism becomes unsuitable for downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque generation function and movement prevention function into a single integrated nut structure. The nut includes a first engagement portion that threadedly engages with the feed screw to enable movement, and a second engagement portion that also threadedly engages with the feed screw to generate torque and prevent movement. This eliminates the need for separate main nut and secondary nut components, reducing part count while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single nut structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it enables linear movement through the first engagement portion while generating torque and preventing movement through the second engagement portion. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized components, achieving downsizing without sacrificing reliability.
2Ease of operation
If two nuts with an elastic body are used to generate torque, then fine adjustment during manual rotation is achieved, but the mechanism size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movement-enabling function and torque-generation function into a single compact nut structure. The first engagement portion allows smooth rotation and fine adjustment, while the second engagement portion generates torque to prevent light rotation. This integrated design achieves fine adjustment capability without requiring the larger size of dual-nut configurations.
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 enables a compact feed mechanism with fewer parts, effectively preventing torque generation member displacement and allowing for precise adjustment and immobilization of the movable body after position adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a female thread that is threadedly engaged with the feed screw... Torque is generated on the feed screw by use of the torque generation member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a feed mechanism that has a small number of parts and that is suitable for downsizing. A feed mechanism (1) includes: a base (2); a movable body (3); a feed screw (4) configured to move the movable body (3) relative to the base (2); and a torque generation member (15) formed with a female thread (15b) that is threadedly engaged with the feed screw (4). The movable body (3) is formed with a housing hole (12) extending in a direction orthogonal to the feed screw (4), and the torque generation member (15) is housed in the housing hole (12).