Linear Guideway Circulation Module Simplifies End Cap Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of conventional end caps for linear guideways is complex, making the design and production process difficult, and the assembly of the guideway is complicated due to the need for positioning rolling units.

Innovation Solution

A linear guideway design featuring a guide rail with rolled grooves, a sliding block with accommodating channels, circulation modules with fill-in openings and separating sheets, and end cap modules that simplify the installation of rolling units and eliminate the need for a track structure on the end caps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a track structure is formed on the inner surface of the conventional end cap to position the rolling unit, then the rolling unit can be positioned, but the construction of the end cap becomes complicated and the producing process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning of rolling unitVSAvoidconstruction of end cap

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the track structure from the end cap and relocates it to the circulation tube. The circulation tube now carries the track structure that guides and positions the rolling unit, while the end cap becomes a simpler component that only needs to cover and protect the circulation tube. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the complex track structure from the end cap while preserving the positioning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation tube serves as an intermediary component that takes on the dual function of containing the rolling unit and providing the track structure for positioning. By introducing this intermediate element, the patent eliminates the need for a complex end cap construction while maintaining the positioning capability through the circulation tube's integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the conventional end cap is designed with a track structure for positioning the rolling unit, then the rolling unit positioning is achieved, but the assembly of the linear guideway becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning of rolling unitVSAvoidassembly of linear guideway

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning function from the end cap and assigns it to the circulation tube. This segmentation allows the circulation tube to be pre-assembled with the track structure and rolling unit, creating a modular sub-assembly that can be easily installed into the linear guideway. The end cap then becomes a separate, simple covering component, making the overall assembly process more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The track structure is preliminarily formed on the circulation tube rather than on the end cap. This preliminary action allows the circulation tube to be prepared in advance with its positioning features already in place, simplifying the final assembly of the linear guideway. The circulation tube arrives at the assembly stage ready to be installed with the rolling unit already positioned on its track structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the end cap construction is simplified by removing the track structure, then the producing process becomes easier, but the rolling unit needs to be positioned by the circulation tube and separating sheet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproducing process of end capVSAvoidcirculation module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the track structure with the circulation tube, creating an integrated component that combines the functions of containing the rolling unit and providing positioning guidance. This merging eliminates the need for a separate track structure on the end cap, simplifying the end cap production while consolidating the positioning function into the circulation tube-separating sheet assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming the track structure on the end cap as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by forming the track structure on the circulation tube. This inversion simplifies end cap manufacturing while achieving the same positioning function through the reversed location of the track structure, now provided by the circulation tube and separating sheet combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9046129B1Linear guideway and circulation module thereof

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 OME TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A circulation module of a linear guideway for being installed on a sliding block, comprises two circulation tubes each having a fill-in opening, two rolling units respectively arranged into the circulation tubes via the fill-in openings, and two separating sheets respectively installed on the circulation tubes to shield the fill-in openings. When the circulation tubes coupling through the sliding block, the fill-in openings respectively expose from two opposite ends of the sliding block, and part of each rolling unit arrange out of the corresponding circulation tube is disposed on the sliding block. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the circulation module for receiving the rolling units quickly and simplifying the construction of an end cap module mating thereto. Moreover, the instant disclosure also provides a linear guideway.