Linear Bearing End Assembly for Compact High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear bearings for linear actuators often compromise on compact design due to the need for effective sealing against environmental factors, particularly in harsh conditions like food technology or pharmaceuticals where frequent cleaning processes are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A linear bearing design featuring an outer tube with end assemblies that include an end sleeve, coupling piece, fastening adapter, and ring seals, which provide a compact and sealed solution by allowing for geometric deviations and ensuring reliable sealing even under high-pressure and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued for the linear bearing, then the overall size is reduced, but effective sealing against environmental factors becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the actuator rod inside the outer tube, and positioning the end assembly components (end sleeve, coupling piece, fastening adapter) in a nested arrangement along the axis of movement. The ring seals are positioned within annular gaps formed by these nested components, achieving effective sealing within a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ring seals (first ring seal and second ring seal) which are flexible sealing elements positioned in annular gaps. These flexible seals adapt to geometric deviations and provide reliable sealing against environmental factors while maintaining the compact structure of the linear bearing.
2Manufacturing precision
If geometric precision is increased to improve sealing, then manufacturing cost increases, but geometric deviations still allow contaminant ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing approach from relying on precise geometric dimensions to using flexible ring seals that compensate for geometric deviations. The ring seals are positioned in annular gaps and can deform to maintain sealing contact, effectively preventing contaminant ingress despite manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring seals act as intermediary elements between the components (end sleeve, fastening adapter, outer tube). These flexible seals mediate the connection and provide sealing functionality, allowing geometric deviations without compromising sealing effectiveness.
3Productivity
If the linear bearing is exposed to high-pressure cleaning processes, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but seal integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seals are made of flexible material that can withstand high-pressure cleaning processes. The flexibility allows the seals to maintain their sealing function even under the mechanical stress of high-pressure water jets, preventing water ingress while allowing thorough cleaning of the linear bearing.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing components are added to improve sealing, then device complexity increases, but compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a integrated end assembly structure. The first ring seal and second ring seal are positioned in annular gaps formed by the nested components (end sleeve, coupling piece, fastening adapter), merging the sealing function with the structural components rather than adding separate sealing assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
Linear bearing for a linear actuator, with an outer tube extending along a movement axis and an end assembly that includes a closing sleeve, a connecting piece, a fastening adapter, a first ring seal and a second ring seal, the connecting piece having a coupling section for fixed coupling to the outer tube, a carrier section for bearing against an inner surface of the outer tube and/or an inner surface of the fastening adapter, and a connecting section for receiving the end sleeve, the ring seals being arranged in annular gaps between the end sleeve and the fastening adapter or between the fastening adapter and the outer tube, and an actuator rod being mounted in the outer tube so as to be linearly movable.