Linear Drive Spindle Guide with Radial Prestress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear drives with threaded spindles suffer from vibrations and noise due to unsupported and loose positioning, which affects stability and performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sleeve-shaped guide elements with radial prestress, supported by O-rings and elastic masses, provides stable and damped support to the threaded spindle, combined with a clamping mechanism for secure positioning and adjustable stops to ensure effective vibration reduction and noise minimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the threaded spindle is arranged with play on the bushing to allow movement, then the spindle can move perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, but vibrations and noise occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespindle movement capabilityVSAvoidvibrations and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies prior cushioning by introducing a guide element with elastic prestress before the harmful vibrations and noise can occur. The elastic element is pre-compressed to create a cushioning effect that absorbs vibrations and dampens noise during spindle movement, preventing these harmful effects rather than addressing them after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element acts as an intermediary between the threaded spindle and the bushing. Instead of direct contact between the spindle and the rigid bushing, the elastic guide element mediates the interaction, providing guidance while absorbing vibrations and reducing noise through its elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If support elements are added to support the threaded spindle, then vibration behavior improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespindle support stabilityVSAvoidnumber of support components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single guide element: it provides structural support for the threaded spindle, guides the spindle's linear movement, and dampens vibrations through its elastic properties. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs support, guidance, and vibration damping functions. This universal component approach maintains spindle stability without requiring multiple specialized parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If a rigid bushing is used for the threaded spindle, then support is provided, but noise development increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespindle support strengthVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the support element from rigid to elastic. By using an elastic element with prestress instead of a rigid bushing, the system maintains the necessary support strength while the elastic properties enable vibration absorption and noise reduction during spindle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the stability and vibration behavior of the threaded spindle, significantly reducing noise and ensuring a stable support system with improved damping properties.

Implementation Method 1

The guide element is preferably biased radially inward by a spring element. The spring element can have at least one O-ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

In addition to or instead of an O-ring, an elastic mass can also be provided on the outer circumference of the bushing, which further optimizes the damping properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2677202B1Linear drive
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 RK ROSE KRIEGER GMBH VERBINDUNGS UND POSITIONIERSYST
  • EP2677202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2677202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2677202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The linear drive (1) has a non-rotatably guided spindle nut (5) that is moved in the longitudinal direction by a rotatably driven threaded spindle (2), where the spindle is supported by a supporting element (10 to 14,10' to 14') against the movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The supporting element has a duct for the threaded spindle, where a guide element is provided on the duct prestressed against the threaded spindle. The guide element is designed as a slotted sleeve, which is prestressed radially inwards against the threaded spindle.