Linear Motion Guide Rail Layout for Non-Interfering Sliders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion guide units with raceway grooves on track rails cause interference between sliders, restricting their linear motion and hindering user convenience, especially when multiple sliders are attached at different angles.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion guide unit design featuring a track rail with separate rail raceway surfaces for each slider, allowing first and second sliders to be spaced apart and inclined mounting surfaces to enable free linear motion of multiple sliders at different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If raceway grooves are formed on respective surfaces of a single track rail, then the structure is compact, but the sliders interfere with each other in the sliding directions, restricting linear motion
Solution Approach 1:
The track rail is divided into multiple independent track rails, each with its own raceway grooves. Instead of having all sliders share a single track rail with multiple grooves, the invention uses separate track rails for different sliders, eliminating interference between sliders while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (multiple grooves on one rail) to a three-dimensional arrangement (multiple rails positioned in space). By stacking track rails vertically or positioning them in different spatial locations, sliders can move independently without interfering with each other, solving the interference problem while keeping the overall structure compact.
2Device complexity
If multiple sliders are attached to the same track rail, then the device structure is simplified, but the sliders cannot freely perform linear motion at different angles
Solution Approach 1:
Each track rail is designed as a universal component that can support a slider at any angular orientation. The track rails and sliders are designed with standardized interfaces and inclined mounting surfaces that allow them to be configured at different angles, enabling the same basic structure to serve multiple angular positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surfaces of the track rails are designed with inclines that allow sliders to be attached at variable angles. This dynamic configuration capability enables the structure to adapt to different angular requirements without changing the fundamental design, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If sliders are positioned close together on a track rail, then the overall device size is reduced, but the sliders interfere with each other during linear motion
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension and spatial arrangement, the invention positions track rails at different heights or locations, allowing sliders to be closely spaced in the horizontal plane while maintaining sufficient separation in the vertical or depth direction. This eliminates interference during linear motion while keeping the device footprint compact.
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 design enhances user convenience by allowing multiple sliders to freely perform linear motion without interference, accommodating various angular positions and improving the overall efficiency of the linear motion guide unit.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first rolling elements rolling on a first load-carrying race composed of the first rail raceway surface and the first slider raceway surface; and a plurality of second rolling elements rolling on a second load-carrying race composed of the second rail raceway surface and the second slider raceway surface
Data Source
AI summary
A linear motion guide unit includes a track rail having a first rail raceway surface and a second rail raceway surface each extending in a longitudinal direction, a first slider relatively movably attached to the track rail and having a first slider raceway surface facing the first rail raceway surface and a planar first mounting surface, and a second slider relatively movably attached to the track rail and having a second slider raceway surface facing the second rail raceway surface and a planar second mounting surface. The first slider is provided spaced apart from the second slider as viewed in the longitudinal direction. The second mounting surface is inclined with respect to the first mounting surface as viewed in the longitudinal direction.