Lead Screw Nut Assembly With Independent Flexible Finger Biasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lead screw nut designs lack the ability to finely tune the biasing of individual flexible fingers, as they typically use a band or ring that applies a uniform radial force to all fingers, preventing independent adjustment of each finger's engagement with the lead screw.

Innovation Solution

A nut assembly with a cap member and independent adjustment members for each flexible finger, allowing radial positioning adjustments via screws and springs, enabling precise biasing control of each finger independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a band or ring is used to bias flexible fingers radially, then the structure is simple and convenient, but the biasing force is uniformly distributed across all fingers and cannot be independently adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidindependent finger adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single band structure into multiple independent biasing members (first biasing member for first flexible finger, second biasing member for second flexible finger, etc.). Each biasing member independently biases a specific flexible finger, allowing individual adjustment of each finger's engagement force with the lead screw while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual adjustment members are provided for each flexible finger, then independent biasing adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent finger adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of adjustment components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing adjustment members at specific locations corresponding to each flexible finger's needs. Each adjustment member is locally positioned to bias a specific finger, allowing precise control of engagement forces where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other areas of the nut assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If uniform biasing is applied to all flexible fingers, then the structure is simpler, but fine-tuning of individual finger engagement is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiasing mechanism simplicityVSAvoidbiasing force adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by making each biasing member independently adjustable. The adjustment members can be moved radially to change the biasing force on each flexible finger dynamically, allowing precise fine-tuning of engagement forces to compensate for wear or accommodate varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design allows for independent adjustment of the biasing force on each flexible finger, enhancing the engagement with the lead screw and enabling precise control over friction and wear compensation, improving the overall performance and flexibility of the nut assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The first adjustment member includes a first spring position radially between the first screw and the first flexible finger. The second adjustment member includes a second spring positioned radially between the second screw and the second flexible finger.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11598400B2Nut with flexible fingers and self-aligning members

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 PACIFIC BEARING CORP

AI summary

A nut assembly for use with lead screws is provided. The nut assembly includes a nut member and an adjustment arrangement that can independently adjust the biasing of flexible fingers of the nut member.