Linear Drive Spindle Support via Guided Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear drives with longer lengths face instability due to bending of U-shaped profiles and high costs associated with precise mounting of support elements, which impair the quality of support for threaded spindles.
Innovation Solution
A rail is fixed to the U-shaped profile to guide support elements perpendicularly, allowing for stable support of the threaded spindle, with support elements being decoupled at predetermined positions and coupled via magnets, and featuring a clamping mechanism and elastic bushing for tolerance compensation and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the threaded spindle is supported directly by the U-shaped profile legs, then the structure is simple, but the support stability deteriorates due to profile bending in longer linear drives
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple support elements distributed along the linear drive length, each independently supporting the threaded spindle at specific positions. This segmentation allows the support function to be separated from the U-shaped profile structure, enabling stable support in longer linear drives while maintaining structural simplicity through modular support elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If support elements are mounted with great accuracy on the U-shaped profile, then support precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A rail is introduced as an intermediary component between the U-shaped profile and the support elements. The rail is fixed to the profile and provides precise guidance for the support elements, transferring the precision requirement from the support element mounting to the rail fabrication. This mediator approach improves support precision while reducing manufacturing costs by using a dedicated guidance component rather than requiring precise mounting of each support element.
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 solution provides stable support for threaded spindles across greater lengths, reduces the risk of accidental support element misalignment, and enhances vibration dissipation and noise reduction through improved damping.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one support element has a bushing for the passage of the threaded spindle, which bushing is designed to be elastic and is prestressed against the threaded spindle
Implementation Method 2
even small movements of the threaded spindle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are absorbed by the support element
Implementation Method 3
The support elements are coupled to one another or to the spindle nut via magnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3
AI summary
The linear drive (1) comprises spindle nut (5) which is non-rotatably guided through rotatably driven lead screw (2) movable in longitudinal direction. A fixed steel rail (6) is provided on longitudinally extending profile (3). The threaded spindle is supported against movement perpendicular to longitudinal direction by support element (10-14,10'-14') which is guided on the rail.