Inverted Spline Rail System with Sealed Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear motion rail systems with outwardly projecting splines are prone to particulate and liquid matter accumulation, leading to hindrance and potential damage, necessitating frequent maintenance and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A splined rail system with an internally splined guide rail, a nut, and a seal that prevents debris entry, combined with an anti-backlash nut mechanism to prevent relative rotation and maintain precise linear motion, and a dual drive motor system for enhanced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an outwardly projecting splined guide rail is used, then the nut can slide along the splines for linear motion, but particulate and liquid matter will gather on the outwardly projecting splines and become a hindrance to linear motion
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail uses inwardly projecting splines instead of outwardly projecting splines. This inversion changes the geometry so that matter cannot accumulate on the splines, while still providing the necessary mechanical engagement for linear motion between the nut and guide rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure converts the potential harm of matter accumulation into a benefit by actively preventing matter from reaching the spline interface. The seal creates a protective barrier that benefits the system by keeping contaminants away from critical moving parts.
2Ease of operation
If an outwardly projecting splined guide rail is used, then linear motion can be achieved, but impact damage may occur to the splines which could hinder operation or precision
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the spline geometry from outwardly projecting to inwardly projecting, the design inherently protects against impact damage. The inward geometry provides structural reinforcement and prevents the kind of impact damage that would occur with exposed outward projections.
3Reliability
If routine servicing is performed to maintain the rail system, then operational reliability is maintained, but downtime and maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed design with inwardly projecting splines creates a self-protecting system that resists contamination and impact damage without requiring external intervention. This self-service characteristic reduces the frequency and necessity of routine servicing, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance expenses.
4Ease of repair
If a seal is added to prevent debris entry, then maintenance needs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is merged with the guide rail body, creating an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This integration reduces overall device complexity while still providing effective sealing to prevent debris entry and reduce maintenance needs.
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 system effectively prevents debris entry, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures high precision and reliability by sealing the guide rail and using anti-backlash mechanisms to maintain consistent linear motion.
Implementation Method 1
A seal substantially seals the mouth of the guide rail with the first portion extending through the seal and external of the internal cavity
Implementation Method 2
a lead screw, an internally splined guide rail, a nut... The lead screw rotates about a rotational axis... the nut includes a nut body that defines a screw receiving aperture that includes internal threading through which the lead screw extends, the lead screw having external threading engaging the internal threading of the nut body
Implementation Method 3
the guide rail includes a plurality of guide teeth extending longitudinally parallel to the rotational axis, being angularly spaced apart, and extending radially inward... the nut includes a plurality of guide teeth extending radially outward and being angularly spaced apart, the guide teeth mate with the guide teeth of the guide rail
Data Source
AI summary
A inverted spline rail system is provided. The inverted spline rail system includes a drive motor that rotates a drive screw. The drive screw has a associated nut body. The nut body includes a attachment portion that a user can attach a device that requires linear motion control. Furthermore, the nut body is located inside of a cylindrical body that encases the drive screw. The nut body has guide teeth that mate with an internally splined guide rail of the cylindrical body that contains both the nut and the drive screw. The reciprocating nature of the guide teeth of the nut and the internally splined guide rail of the cylindrical body translate the rotational motion of the drive screw into linear motion of the nut body. The inverted spline rail system is protected from its operating environment by a seal.