Guide Device Rolling Element Insertion Holes Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices require extensive time and complex structures for assembling rolling elements, especially in preloaded devices, due to the lack of efficient methods for inserting rolling elements into circulation paths.
Innovation Solution
The guide device features elongated rolling element insertion holes that communicate with return passages, allowing for easier insertion and movement of rolling elements, with a lid system to ensure secure closure and smooth movement, applicable to both linear and curved guide devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rolling elements are assembled in a preloaded guide device without a holder, then the structure remains simple, but the assembly time becomes excessively long because pressing force must be applied to move rolling elements through the rolling passage
Solution Approach 1:
The slider body is divided into two parts: a main body and a holder that is detachably coupled to it. The holder serves as a temporary receptacle for storing rolling elements during assembly, separating the function of holding rolling elements from the main slider body structure. This segmentation allows rolling elements to be pre-loaded into the holder without requiring pressing force on the main assembly, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining structural simplicity through detachable coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component between the assembler and the rolling passage. Instead of directly inserting rolling elements into the constrained rolling passage (which requires pressing force), the holder serves as an intermediate storage and transfer mechanism. Rolling elements are first placed into the holder's opening, then transferred to the rolling passage through the direction changing path, eliminating the need for direct pressing force application and significantly reducing assembly time.
2Productivity
If rolling elements are inserted from the return passage in a preloaded device, then the circulation path can be filled, but the rolling elements cannot move without pressing force, making the assembly process extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is prepared in advance as a receptacle for rolling elements before the actual assembly of the slider. Rolling elements are pre-loaded into the holder's opening while the holder is detached from the main body, allowing easy access and manipulation. This preliminary action eliminates the need to apply pressing force during the critical insertion phase, as rolling elements are already positioned in the holder ready for transfer to the rolling passage through the direction changing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves as an intermediary that facilitates easy insertion of rolling elements by providing an open access point (opening) that communicates with the return passage. Instead of directly inserting rolling elements into the constrained return passage (which requires pressing force), the holder mediates the insertion process by allowing rolling elements to be placed into its opening, then transferred through the direction changing path into the rolling passage without requiring direct pressing force on the main assembly.
3Reliability
If plugs are inserted to seal rolling element insertion holes as described in Patent Document 1, then the holes are sealed, but the structure becomes more complex and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the receptacle for storing rolling elements and as the sealing cover for the insertion holes. The holder's coupling to the slider body automatically seals the insertion holes without requiring separate plugs. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for additional sealing components while maintaining reliable sealing through the holder's integral design.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide device is provided in which rolling elements can be assembled into circulation paths in a short time. A slider body is provided with rolling element insertion holes open at positions of a member mounting surface superposed over a return passage. The insertion holes extend in the length directions of leg parts and reach positions which bisect cross-sections of the return passage. The opened shapes of the insertion holes are elongated hole shapes with dimensions in the rolling element movement direction larger than dimensions in the width directions. For this reason, if balls are inserted from the rolling element insertion holes, spaces are formed inside of the return passage visible from the rolling element insertion holes in the rolling element movement direction of the balls. A rod-shaped fixture is inserted into each space to press the balls in the rolling element movement direction of the return passage.