Lubricant Supply via End Cap Through-Hole for Linear Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guide apparatuses suffer from damage to the direction change path and rolling elements due to lubricant member deformation and stepped portions, leading to abrasive wear, adhesion, and operational defects.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant supply device with a container and end cap configuration that supplies lubricant through a through-hole in the end cap, preventing direct contact and damage by forming a continuous surface with the direction change path, ensuring smooth rolling and preventing zigzag runs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricating member is disposed on the direction change path to perform lubrication, then lubrication is provided to rolling elements, but the lubricating member is damaged and fragments enter between the direction change path and rolling elements causing plastic deformation and abrasive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating member is extracted from the direction change path and relocated to a container positioned adjacent to the end cap. The container is formed with an aperture that communicates with the through-hole in the end cap, allowing lubricant to be supplied to the direction change path without the physical presence of a lubricating member on the path itself. This eliminates the source of fragments and plastic deformation while maintaining lubrication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole in the end cap serves as an intermediary mechanism to transfer lubricant from the container to the direction change path. Instead of direct contact between rolling elements and a lubricating member, the lubricant is delivered through the end cap's through-hole, which acts as a mediator that prevents direct mechanical interaction and associated damage.
2Reliability
If a lubricating member is disposed on the direction change path, then lubrication is provided, but a stepped portion is formed between the direction change path and lubricating member causing rolling elements to bump and perform zigzag runs
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating member is extracted from the direction change path and placed in a separate container. This removes the source of the stepped portion that caused rolling elements to bump and perform zigzag runs. The container is positioned adjacent to the end cap with an aperture that aligns with the through-hole, maintaining lubrication without disrupting the continuity of the direction change path surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The container with aperture and the end cap with through-hole are merged into an integrated lubricant supply system. This combination allows lubricant to be delivered directly to the direction change path through the aligned aperture and through-hole, eliminating the need for a separate lubricating member that would create a stepped portion and maintain the continuous surface geometry of the direction change path.
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
Prevents damage to the direction change path and rolling elements, ensuring reliable operation by maintaining a continuous lubricated surface and reducing stress and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a container retaining lubricant and disposed adjacent to the end cap... the lubricant being supplied into the direction change path via the through-hole of the end cap
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant supply device for a linear guide apparatus is configured to include an end cap 5, and a container 7 retaining lubricant and disposed adjacent to the end cap 5. The end cap 5 is formed with a through-hole 16 extending toward the container 7 from a direction change path 5a. The container 7 is formed with an aperture communicating with the through-hole 16 of the end cap 5. The lubricant is supplied into the direction change path 5a via the aperture of the container 7 and the through-hole 16 of the end cap 5. The slider can be thereby lubricated while preventing damage to a rolling element and the direction change path of the end cap.