Linear Guide Boom Module with Integrated Raceways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guide/feed modules require complex and costly assembly to achieve precise alignment of recirculating rolling element units, and designs often necessitate high forces to move the boom within the housing.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide/feed module with a guide body that integrates rolling element passages and raceways, allowing for simpler assembly and precise positioning of recirculating rolling element rows, reducing the need for individual unit adjustments and enhancing guidance rigidity through a U-shaped cross-section and strategically spaced rolling element rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prefabricated recirculating rolling element units are used, then the guidance function is achieved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase due to required precise alignment and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple recirculating rolling element rows into a single integrated guide body structure. The guide body contains multiple raceways and rolling element rows that are pre-positioned and fixed relative to each other, eliminating the need for separate alignment and adjustment of individual units during assembly. This merging approach maintains high guidance precision while significantly reducing assembly complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple recirculating rolling element rows are used, then guidance precision is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide body is manufactured with multiple raceways and rolling element rows pre-positioned in their final operational locations. The rolling element rows are fixed within the guide body structure during manufacturing, so that when the guide body is installed, all components are already in their correct positions and orientations, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustment.
3Device complexity
If a slideway is used to guide the boom, then the structure is simple, but powerful forces are required to move the boom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slideway mechanical contact system with a recirculating rolling element system. Instead of sliding friction between the boom and guide surfaces, rolling elements circulate between raceways, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically reducing the forces required to move the boom.
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
Simplifies assembly while maintaining high precision and rigidity, allowing for efficient guidance of the boom with reduced assembly costs and forces required, and can absorb powerful guidance forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the boom is supported in the housing by means of at least two recirculating rolling element rows
Implementation Method 2
enhancing guidance rigidity through a U-shaped cross-section and strategically spaced rolling element rows. The guide body can absorb powerful guidance forces effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guide/feed module has a tubular boom movable along a movement axis, a housing encompassing the tubular boom so that the boom is travelable out of and into the housing along the movement axis, a drive unit for driving the boom to move in relation to the housing, at least two recirculating rolling element rows supporting the boom in the housing for its movement in relation to the housing along the movement axis and spaced apart from each other in a circumference direction around the movement axis, with each of the recirculating rolling element rows having a force-loaded rolling element carrying segment extending essentially in a direction of the movement axis and an essentially unloaded rolling element return segment, and a guide body encompassing the boom at least in segments in the circumferential direction, provided in the housing and having rolling element passages of the rolling element return segments formed into it as well as raceways on a housing side of the rolling element carrying segments of the at least two rolling element rows.