Linear Guideway Lubricating Structure for Short-Stroke Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear guideway technologies face issues with lubrication under short-stroke operating conditions, leading to premature product failure due to insufficient lubrication and structural length extensions that affect stroke and smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
A linear guideway design incorporating two lubricating plates adjacent to circulation channels, which are integrated within the sliding block, ensuring consistent lubrication without increasing the block's length and maintaining smooth ball operation by eliminating step differences in the running path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an external fuel tank is set at one end of the sliding block, then the lubricating oil can be stored, but the overall length of the sliding block becomes longer and affects the stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating plates are integrated within the circulating member, which itself is positioned within the sliding block assembly. This nested arrangement allows the lubrication system to be contained within the existing structural envelope, providing lubricant storage and delivery functionality without extending the overall length of the sliding block.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating plates are made of porous material that can absorb and store lubricating oil internally. This allows the plates to function as both structural components and lubricant reservoirs, eliminating the need for separate external fuel tanks while maintaining adequate lubrication supply for the balls.
2Reliability
If porous lubrication tubes are set on the non-load side, then lubrication can be provided, but the balls on the load side cannot obtain sufficient lubrication under short-stroke operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into multiple segments with separate lubricating plates positioned on both the load side and non-load side of the circulation channels. This segmentation ensures that balls on both sides receive adequate lubrication independently, with the load side plates specifically addressing the lubrication deficiency under short-stroke conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating plates are strategically positioned at different locations within the circulation channels - some on the load side and some on the non-load side. This local differentiation ensures that lubrication is provided precisely where needed, with enhanced lubrication on the load side where balls experience higher stress and require more frequent lubrication under short-stroke operation.
3Reliability
If a U-shaped lubricating plate is placed on the abdomen of the sliding block, then balls can be lubricated, but the thin configuration results in easy damage when impacted by balls
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating plates are constructed from composite materials that combine structural strength with lubrication functionality. The plates incorporate reinforcement structures and use material compositions that provide both the necessary mechanical strength to withstand ball impacts and the porous characteristics needed for lubricant storage and delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating plates are designed with increased structural strength and reinforcement features before being subjected to ball impacts. The plates incorporate thickened regions, support structures, and impact-resistant material properties that provide beforehand cushioning against the repetitive impacts from balls, preventing damage while maintaining lubrication functionality.
4Length of moving object
If lubricating plates are integrated within the sliding block, then the existing length is maintained and stroke is not affected, but sufficient lubrication under short-stroke conditions must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating plates are designed with dynamic lubrication delivery mechanisms that adapt to operating conditions. The porous structure and positioning allow the plates to provide enhanced lubrication during short-stroke operations when lubrication demand is highest, while maintaining a compact integrated form that does not extend the sliding block length.
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 provides effective lubrication under short-stroke conditions, maintaining the sliding block's stroke and ensuring consistent smooth operation by keeping lubricating plates in contact with the balls, thus preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
The two lubricating plates are adjacent to the two circulation channels and contact the two sets of balls to provide lubrication to the balls
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guideway includes a rail, a sliding block with two foot members, a circulating member with two receiving chambers, two sets of balls and two lubricating plates. The receiving chambers of the circulating member receive the foot members of the sliding block respectively, so that the rail, each foot member of the sliding block and the circulating member form a circulation channel for one respective set of balls to run. The two lubricating plates are adjacent to the two circulation channels and contact the two sets of balls to provide lubrication to the balls. In this way, the linear guideway conceals two lubricating plates in the sliding block, which can maintain the length of the sliding block without affecting the stroke, and ensure that the running path does not produce a step difference, so that the smooth running of the ball can be kept consistent.