Linear Guideway End Module Lubricating Sheet Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature linear guideways face issues with lubricating sheet deformation during assembly, leading to a loss of lubricating effect due to the lack of proper fixation and support, which affects the precision and functionality of the guideway.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an end module with a lubricating sheet that has penetrating holes and supporting pillars, where the pillars are inserted into the holes to prevent deformation, and the assembly process ensures the lubricating sheet maintains its shape and function, with corner portions and channels defining circulation channels for rollers, enhancing the guideway's precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lubricating sheet is installed in the conventional end module without supporting pillars, then the assembly process is simple, but the lubricating sheet deforms and loses its lubricating effect
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting pillar acts as an intermediary element between the lubricating sheet and the end module structure. It provides mechanical support to the lubricating sheet, preventing deformation while maintaining the simplicity of the overall assembly process. The pillar is inserted through a penetrating hole in the lubricating sheet and anchored in the end module, creating a stable support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pillar is pre-positioned or pre-installed in the end module before the lubricating sheet is fully assembled into place. This preliminary action ensures that the lubricating sheet receives immediate structural support, preventing deformation from occurring during the assembly process or subsequent operation.
2Strength
If the screw inserts into the penetrating hole too deep, then the assembly is secure, but the lubricating sheet deforms due to lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting pillar serves as a mediator that distributes the mechanical load and prevents direct contact between the screw and the lubricating sheet. By inserting the pillar through the penetrating hole and anchoring it in the end module, it provides structural support that prevents the lubricating sheet from deforming under screw insertion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pillar provides beforehand cushioning by being in place before the screw is fully inserted. It cushions and protects the lubricating sheet from deformation that would otherwise occur during the screw insertion process, ensuring the sheet maintains its shape while still allowing secure assembly.
3Productivity
If the corner portions are not inserted into the retaining troughs, then the assembly process is faster, but the circulation channels are not properly formed and rollers are not secured
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator is segmented into distinct corner portions that can be independently inserted into the retaining troughs of the end modules. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each corner portion can be precisely positioned to form the circulation channels, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining reasonable assembly speed through the clear, defined insertion paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An end module of a linear guideway includes an end cap, a cover, and a lubricating sheet. The end cap has an accommodating trough, and the cover is installed on the end cap to cover the accommodating trough, so a surface of the end cap faces a surface of the cover. At least one supporting pillar is formed on one of the two facing surfaces of the end cap and the cover, and the supporting pillar abuts against the other one of the two facing surfaces of the end cap and the cover. The lubricating sheet is received in the accommodating trough. The lubricating sheet has at least one penetrating hole, and the supporting pillar is inserted into the penetrating hole. Thus, the lubricating sheet of the instant disclosure is provided without any deformation, which is caused by the end cap and the cover.