Linear Guideway End Module With Expanding Oil-Sealing Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guideways face challenges in effectively sealing lubricating oil within the end module, leading to potential leakage and uneven distribution.
Innovation Solution
The linear guideway incorporates a cap and circulation sheet that form an oil injection channel, where the circulation sheet expands upon absorbing lubricating oil to tightly fit with the cap, creating a sealed oil injection channel and turning channels to maintain a predetermined amount of lubricating oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing structures are used in the end module, then the structure is simple, but the lubricating oil cannot be effectively sealed leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing ring that can deform elastically to conform to the cap's inner surface and the rail's outer surface. This flexible membrane structure creates an effective seal between the lubricating oil and the external environment, preventing leakage while accommodating surface irregularities and assembly tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to expand and contract based on internal oil pressure and external forces. The sealing ring can dynamically adjust its sealing force to maintain effective sealing under varying operating conditions, ensuring reliable oil containment throughout the guideway's operational lifecycle.
2Reliability
If lubricating oil is injected into the guideway, then the rollers can roll smoothly, but the oil is not uniformly distributed leading to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation sheet is pre-configured with specific geometric features and material properties that enable it to absorb and redistribute lubricating oil before the oil reaches the sealing interface. This preliminary action of the circulation sheet ensures uniform oil distribution across the rolling channels, preventing localized oil accumulation that could lead to leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation sheet acts as an intermediary component between the oil injection point and the rolling channels. It mediates the oil flow by absorbing excess oil and redistributing it uniformly, ensuring that each roller receives adequate lubrication without creating pressure imbalances that could compromise sealing effectiveness.
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 structural cooperation of the cap and circulation sheet effectively seals and uniformly distributes lubricating oil within the guideway, enhancing oil retention and preventing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the circulation sheet expands through absorbing a part of the lubricating oil so as to be tightly fitted to the assembling end surface, the transverse segment, and the two lateral segments
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guideway and an end module thereof are provided. The end module includes a cap and a circulation sheet. The cap includes a transverse segment and two lateral segments that are respectively connected to two ends of the transverse segment. The circulation sheet is engaged in the transverse segment and the two lateral segments so as to jointly define an oil injection channel. The circulation sheet and the two lateral segments jointly define a plurality of turning channels. When a lubricating oil is injected into the oil injection channel of the end module, the circulation sheet absorbs a part of the lubricating oil and expands so as to be tightly fitted to the transverse segment and the two lateral segments of the cap.