Linear Guide Sealing Ring Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guide units face issues with lubricant channels running dry due to undesired lubricant return, which existing solutions fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with a valve function is integrated into the lubricant channel, featuring an annularly closed sealing section with slots that open under pressure loading from one side and close from the other, preventing backflow and ensuring the channel remains lubricated without external pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple sealing ring is used at the transfer point, then the sealing is simple and cost-effective, but the lubricant channel may run dry due to undesired lubricant return
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the valve function into a single integrated sealing ring component. The sealing ring includes both a sealing section for preventing leakage and a valve section with slots that open/close based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for separate sealing and valve components while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing at the transfer point between the end plate and sealing element, and it also acts as a check valve to prevent lubricant from flowing back into the storage unit. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure while solving both the sealing and lubricant retention problems.
2Reliability
If a valve is added to prevent lubricant backflow, then the lubricant channel reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the valve function into a single integrated sealing ring component. The sealing ring includes both a sealing section for preventing leakage and a valve section with slots that open/close based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for separate sealing and valve components while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve section of the sealing ring operates automatically based on pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. When pressure is higher in the lubricant channel than in the storage unit, the slots remain open allowing lubricant flow. When pressure reverses, the slots close automatically to prevent backflow, making the system self-regulating.
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
The solution effectively prevents the lubricant channel from running dry by using a sealing ring with a valve mechanism that opens only under specific pressure conditions, ensuring continuous lubrication and maintaining the channel's functionality without requiring significant modifications to the linear guide unit.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is formed within the, in particular, annularly closed sealing section as a valve which prevents the lubricant channel from running dry
Implementation Method 2
in the case of pressure loading from one side, the slot opens and, in the case of pressure loading from the other side, slot walls are pressed against one another and the slots close
Implementation Method 3
from which storage unit 28 lubricant runs, on account of capillary force, through lubricant feed holes 32b to an application element 31
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guide unit, with a guide carriage arranged on a guide rail and rolling bodies which circulate in circulating channels. Each circulating channel has a load section, a return section and two deflection sections endlessly connecting the load section to the return section. The load section is delimited by running tracks for the rolling bodies, which are formed on the guide carriage and guide rail, and with lubricant channels which are formed on the guide carriage and are connected to the circulating channels. An end is connected to a transfer point to a further lubricant channel or the circulating channel. A seal with an annularly closed sealing section is provided between the end of the lubricant channel and the transfer point, and is designed as a valve which prevents the lubricant channel from running at no-load.