Linear Guide Bearing Cage with Integrated Air Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of linear guides with fluid pressure bearings is complicated due to the need for precise manufacturing of both the guide body and the bearing cage, and existing methods for producing ceramic guides allow only for rough tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide design featuring a bearing cage composed of multiple plates adhesively bonded together, with each plate having specific connections to accommodate dimensional deviations and manufacturing inaccuracies, using air bearings integrated into the plates themselves to simplify production and reduce the need for separate fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluid pressure bearings are fastened to the plates of the bearing cage, then the linear guide achieves good operational performance, but the production becomes relatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid pressure bearing function directly into the plate structure by forming recesses in the plates that receive the fluid pressure bearings. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and reduces production complexity while maintaining the operational performance of the linear guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The plates serve multiple functions: they form the structural framework of the bearing cage and simultaneously provide integrated mounting features for the fluid pressure bearings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the production process.
2Reliability
If the bearing cage is manufactured with high precision to fit the guide body, then the linear guide achieves good operational performance, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing cage is segmented into multiple plates that are connected together. This segmentation allows each plate to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and the modular assembly accommodates dimensional variations in the guide body, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing of the entire bearing cage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tensioning devices that can adjust the dimensional parameters of the bearing cage assembly. By applying tensioning forces, the system can compensate for manufacturing inaccuracies and achieve the required operational performance without requiring extremely precise initial manufacturing of all components.
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 design simplifies the production of linear guides by allowing for easier compensation of manufacturing inaccuracies and eliminates the need for separate fluid supply, making the guides more robust and suitable for use in coordinate measuring machines.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure bearings being separated from the plates of the bearing cage. The relevant air bearings include a membrane which may deform under the pressure of the air.
Implementation Method 2
air bearings which are fastened by way of springs on the respective inner surfaces of the plates are arranged on the two other plates of the bearing cage, which likewise immediately adjoin one another. As a result of this, each one of the relevant air bearings may carry out a movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane which is formed by the respective inner surface of the associated plates.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guide includes an elongate guide body and a bearing cage, on the inner sides of which fluid pressure bearings are provided. The bearing cage moves along the guide body via the bearings. The bearing cage includes at least three interconnected plates. The plates each have an inner surface facing the guide body, an outer surface facing away from the guide body and side surfaces between the inner and the outer surface. Each plate is connected to a first other plate in a first end region and connected to a second other plate in an opposite second end region. For each of the plates: the first other plate, with its inner surface, abuts against a side surface of the considered plate, while the considered plate, with its inner surface, abuts against a side surface of the second other plate in the second end region of the considered plate.