Linear Drive Guide Bearing With Hydrostatic Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-precision machine tools with linear drive means lack sufficient precision without increasing design complexity, which limits their ability to perform precise relative movements between machine components.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision machine tool design featuring a linear drive and guide bearing system with a combination of a linear motor and hydrostatic fluid bearings, where the linear motor consists of a magnet and coil setup with a ferrite core, and hydrostatic fluid bearings provide a repulsive force to maintain a precise bearing gap, allowing for adjustable movement and positioning of machine components in orthogonal planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a linear motor with small air gap is used to improve precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to tighter tolerances and more complex bearing arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single integrated bearing arrangement. The first and second bearing arrangements are merged into one unified structure that simultaneously provides guidance in multiple directions and supports the linear motor, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the small air gap needed for high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the moving component in orthogonal directions, supports the linear motor assembly, maintains precise spacing, and provides stability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing complexity while achieving high manufacturing precision
2Manufacturing precision
If hydrostatic fluid bearings are used to maintain bearing gap, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous fluid supply requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrostatic fluid supply is implemented with periodic activation rather than continuous flow. The fluid supply is activated only when bearing gap maintenance is required, allowing the system to consume energy intermittently rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy usage while maintaining precision
3Manufacturing precision
If linear guide means with orthogonal planes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide means is integrated into the bearing arrangements rather than being separate components. The orthogonal guidance planes are formed as part of the bearing structure itself, merging the guidance function with the support function and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high guidance precision
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 enhances precision and ease of manufacturing while maintaining a high level of efficiency and heat balance, enabling precise relative movement of machine components with adjustable bearing gaps, improving the overall accuracy and reliability of the machine tool.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor having a magnet arranged on one of the machine components and a coil arranged on the other machine component and operatively connected to the magnet, wherein the magnet and the coil are configured to exert a mutual attractive force and an at least temporary relative movement to one another
Implementation Method 2
a hydrostatic fluid bearing arranged on one of the two machine components and operatively connected to the other machine component, wherein the hydrostatic fluid bearing exerts a repulsive force opposite to the attractive force
Data Source
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AI summary
For the purposes of further improved precision of a high precision machine tool (100), at least one linear drive- and guide bearing (1) is provided having at least one linear motor (27), which has at least one magnet (15) arranged on one of the machine components (5) and at least one coil (25) arranged on the other machine component (10) and operatively connected to the at least one magnet (15), wherein the at least one magnet (15) and the at least one coil (25) are designed to exert an opposing attraction force and perform an at least temporarily relative movement toward each other. Also provided are at least one hydrostatic fluid bearing (30-1, 30-3) arranged on one of the two machine components (10) and operatively connected to the other machine component (5), wherein the hydrostatic fluid bearing (30-1, 30-3) exerts a repelling force directed opposite to the attraction force, and a first bearing gap (H1) formed between the two machine components (5, 10), having a height which is greater than 0 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.