Linear Guide Device Lubrication and End Cap Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guide devices face challenges in lubricating rolling elements within a short stroke without increasing the length of the slide member and in enhancing the strength of the outer wall of the turnaround channels to withstand bending stress and ensure smooth recirculation of rolling elements.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide device with a lubricant supply system that includes lubricant reservoirs and a lubricant supply string with capillary capability, and reinforced end caps with additional plates to distribute impact and prevent bending stress, allowing for direct lubrication of rolling elements and improved recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant supplying member is mounted on the front side or rear side of the slide member to coat lubricant on the rail, then lubrication of rolling elements is improved, but the slide member length increases and stroke is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant application function is extracted from the rail surface and transferred to the rolling elements themselves. The lubricant supply member is positioned inside the slide member to supply lubricant directly to the rolling elements as they exit the raceway, eliminating the need for external lubricant coating on the rail and reducing the required slide member length.
Solution Approach 2:
A lubricant supply member positioned inside the slide member acts as an intermediary, delivering lubricant from the lubricant supply passage to the rolling elements. This intermediary system enables direct lubrication of rolling elements without requiring the slide member to extend beyond its normal length or to travel a longer distance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer wall of the turnaround channel is made thinner to accommodate the hollow end cap shape, then manufacturing is easier, but the connection region becomes the weakest place and cannot withstand bending stress from high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement ribs are added locally to the outer wall of the turnaround channel at the connection region between the raceway and turnaround channel. This local reinforcement strengthens the weakest area without changing the overall hollow end cap shape or manufacturing process, enabling the structure to withstand bending stress from high-speed rolling element circulation.
3Reliability
If the slide member is made longer to accommodate a lubricant supply system with external reservoir, then lubrication capability is improved, but the stroke is reduced and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant supply passage is integrated directly into the slide member structure, merging the lubrication system with the existing slide member components. This integration eliminates the need for separate external lubricant reservoirs and complex connection mechanisms, providing effective lubricant supply while maintaining a compact structure suitable for short-stroke applications.
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
Enables effective lubrication of all rolling elements within a short stroke and enhances the structural integrity of the turnaround channels, ensuring smooth operation and increased durability under higher impact and speed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricant supply string provided within and easily filled into the passage or the tube, whereby the lubricant can be transported automatically from the lubricant reservoir to the lubricant supply member
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guide device comprises a rail, at least a slide member and multiple rows of rolling elements. The slide member comprises a rigid body; a bottom frame; a pair of end caps and a pair of reinforce plates. The rail and rigid body provide multiple rows of raceways opposed for the rolling elements. The bottom frame contains a plurality of lubricant reservoirs with lubrication pads inside and directly outstretch from the openings of said lubricant reservoirs to contact with the rolling elements in the raceway zone to supply lubricant on the rolling elements continuously. There are passages or tubes, having lubricating string inside, connecting the extending lubricant reservoirs. Two reinforce plates, each having two extending plates folded and stretched to the bottom of the two leg portions of the rigid body, and are attached on two end caps.