Lead Screw Nut Assembly With Independently Biased Flexible Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lead screw nut designs lack the ability to independently adjust the biasing of individual flexible fingers, leading to averaged adjustments across all fingers, which limits fine-tuning of friction and engagement with the lead screw.
Innovation Solution
A nut assembly with a cap member and adjustable biasing members for each flexible finger, allowing independent radial positioning and biasing of each finger, enabling precise adjustment of the engagement between the nut and lead screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single biasing mechanism (band or o-ring) is used to bias all flexible fingers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to independently adjust biasing of each finger is lost, resulting in averaged adjustments only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single biasing mechanism into multiple independent biasing members, with each biasing member associated with a specific flexible finger. This segmentation allows each finger to be adjusted independently while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional adjustment dimension by providing independent radial positioning capability for each biasing member. This allows adjustment not only of the overall biasing force but also of the individual finger engagement, adding a new degree of freedom to the system.
2Device complexity
If a single biasing mechanism is used for all flexible fingers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and fine-tuning capability of friction and engagement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the biasing mechanism into individual biasing members for each flexible finger, the patent enables precise control of friction and engagement forces. Each biasing member can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired level of precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different biasing forces to different flexible fingers based on local requirements. Each finger can be optimized independently for its specific function, allowing precise tuning of friction and engagement characteristics at each location rather than using a uniform approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent adjustment of each flexible finger is enabled, then fine-tuning of friction and engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adjustment members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation to create modular independent biasing members that can be adjusted individually. This modular approach provides fine-tuning capability for each finger while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable, preventing excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members are designed to be radially movable relative to the central axis, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and wear patterns while maintaining a relatively simple structural framework.
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
Enables precise control over the friction and engagement between the nut and lead screw, allowing for fine-tuning of the biasing force on each finger, improving the adjustment and compensation for misalignment and wear.
Implementation Method 1
The first adjustment member includes a first spring positioned radially between the first screw and the first flexible finger
Implementation Method 2
The second adjustment member includes a second spring positioned radially between the second screw and the second flexible finger
Implementation Method 3
The first adjustment member includes a first screw threadedly mounted to the cap member. The first screw is radially movable relative to the central axis by threading the first screw relative to the cap member
Implementation Method 4
The second adjustment member includes a second screw threadedly mounted to the cap member. The second screw being radially movable relative to the central axis by threading the second screw relative to the cap member
Data Source
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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.