Linear Guide Ball Retention via Clip-Connected Strip Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guides face challenges in securely retaining balls when the guide rail is dismantled, with previous solutions being unreliable or increasing production costs due to complex component integration and processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of strip-shaped fastening means as part of a clip connection, made from various materials including metal and plastic, which extend from connecting webs to securely hold balls in place, allowing for efficient and cost-effective production by reducing processing costs and ensuring reliable ball retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steel carriage body with additional ground surfaces is used, then ball retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed as a separate, independent component that can be manufactured separately from the carriage body. This segmentation allows the retaining element to be produced through cost-effective stamping and/or forming processes, eliminating the need for expensive additional machining of the carriage body while ensuring reliable ball retention.
2Device complexity
If a wire holder with integrated functions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ball retention reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed as a dedicated separate component with constant wall thickness, specialized solely for ball retention. This segmentation allows optimization of the retention function without compromising other carriage functions, ensuring reliable ball retention while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element features constant wall thickness throughout, optimizing the structural parameters for reliable ball retention. This uniform geometry, combined with the frame-like structure and guide edges, ensures consistent performance without requiring complex variable thickness designs.
3Reliability
If a ball chain is used to hold balls, then ball retention is achieved, but load capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed with constant wall thickness and a frame-like structure with guide edges extending in the translational direction. This geometric configuration provides continuous support along the ball track, maintaining load capacity while ensuring reliable ball retention through optimized structural parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element can be made of metal, in particular sheet metal, providing high strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice ensures both reliable ball retention and maintenance of load capacity, overcoming the limitations of ball chain solutions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a linear guide comprising a carriage (1) which is slidably mounted on at least one guide rail in a translational direction (T), wherein the guide rail is provided with at least one raceway on at least two opposite sides, wherein a ball recirculation system (2) is arranged in the carriage (1) belonging to each of the raceways of the guide rail, by which a number of balls (3) can be brought into engagement between a raceway in the carriage (1) and the raceway of the guide rail, wherein the balls (3) are held on the raceway in the carriage (1) by a retaining element (4) which is connected to the carriage (1) as a frame-like structure and which holds the balls (3) with a first and a second guide edge (5, 6) extending in the translational direction (T) in such a way that they are held on the raceway in the carriage (1), and wherein the retaining element (4) is provided with fastening means (11, 12).with which it can be fixed to the carriage (1). In order to achieve a stable and secure mounting of the balls, the invention provides that the fastening means (11, 12) are designed as strip-shaped material areas that are part of a clip connection and are made of the same material as the holding element (4).