Linear Motion Guide Gap Design for Smooth Ball Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion guide devices, such as linear guides, face challenges in ensuring smooth rolling motion and minimizing wear when rolling members transition from an unloaded region to a loaded region, which affects guiding motion speed and device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a track member with a rolling member rolling surface, a movable member with a loaded rolling member rolling surface and a rolling member return passage, and cap members with direction change passages, where the gap between the rolling member and the direction change passage at the boundary is smaller than the gap between the rolling member and the loaded rolling member rolling surface, facilitating smooth rolling motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rolling members circulate in an unloaded state within the rolling member circulation passage, then the rolling members can be circulated without load, but the rolling members cannot perform rolling motion smoothly on the boundary between the loaded region and the unloaded region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different gap conditions at different locations within the direction change passage. Specifically, the gap between the rolling member and the direction change passage is made smaller at the boundary portion where the rolling member transitions from unloaded to loaded region, compared to other portions. This localized gap modification ensures smooth rolling motion at the critical transition zone while maintaining proper circulation elsewhere.
2Productivity
If the rolling members perform rolling motion between the rolling member rolling surface and the loaded rolling member rolling surface, then the motion guide device can guide linear motion, but wear of the rolling members and rolling surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that the rolling member is already in a stable rolling state before it enters the loaded region. The smaller gap at the boundary portion of the direction change passage prepares the rolling member for smooth transition into the loaded region, preventing impact and shock that would cause wear. This preliminary preparation of the rolling motion state reduces wear on both the rolling members and rolling surfaces during the guiding motion process.
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 configuration enables smooth rolling motion, reduces wear and noise, and extends the service life of the motion guide device by minimizing the occurrence of wear on rolling members and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Rolling members are arrayed in a rollable manner between the rolling member rolling surface of the track rail and the loaded rolling member rolling surface of the movable block. When the movable block performs linear motion relative to the track rail, the rolling members arrayed between the track rail and the movable block perform rolling motion
Implementation Method 2
the rolling members circulate in an unloaded state within the rolling member circulation passage provided in the movable block
Data Source
AI summary
A motion guide device includes: a track member including a rolling member rolling surface; a movable member including a loaded rolling member rolling surface, and a rolling member return passage; a pair of cap members including a direction change passage connecting the loaded rolling member rolling surface and the rolling member return passage; and a plurality of rolling members arrayed in a rollable manner on a loaded rolling member rolling passage, the rolling member return passage, and a pair of the direction change passages, the loaded rolling member rolling passage being made up of the rolling member rolling surface and the loaded rolling member rolling surface. A gap between the rolling member and the direction change passage at a boundary portion X is formed so as to become smaller than a gap between the rolling member and the rolling member rolling surface at the boundary portion.