Linear Module Steel Belt Pivoting Retaining Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear modules with steel belts suffer from deformation and wear due to increased tension, magnetic attraction causing sagging, and elastic seal contact leading to premature wear and reduced sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A linear module design featuring a base with a slide stage, support frames, and retaining units with pivoting rolling elements that adjust contact angle to reduce deformation, improve sealing, and extend steel belt life, using thermoplastic polymer materials for reduced friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tension force of steel belts is increased to improve sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but wear and deformation of steel belts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic pressing member as an intermediary between the support frame and the steel belt. This elastic pressing member applies distributed pressing force to the steel belt without creating concentrated stress points, thereby achieving effective sealing while preventing the wear and deformation that would result from direct rigid contact or excessive tension
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnets are used to magnetically attract steel belt for dust proofing, then dust proof effect is improved, but steel belt sags causing wear and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct magnetic attraction with an elastic pressing member that physically presses the steel belt against the sealing surface. This intermediary mechanical pressing approach achieves dust-proofing through consistent contact pressure without the sagging and deformation caused by magnetic forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressing mechanism from magnetic force to elastic mechanical force. The elastic pressing member provides controlled, distributed pressure that maintains steel belt shape stability while achieving the necessary sealing contact for dust-proofing
3Reliability
If elastic seal pressing member is used to press sealing plate onto end caps, then sealing performance is improved, but steel belt wears off and deforms due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed pressing structure with multiple pressing points through the elastic pressing member. This intermediary structure transfers sealing force through the support frame to the steel belt in a distributed manner, avoiding concentrated stress that would cause wear and deformation while maintaining effective sealing contact
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 module automatically adjusts contact angle to prevent deformation, enhances sealing performance, and extends the life of the steel belt while maintaining smooth operation and dust-proofing.
Implementation Method 1
two rolling elements, the rolling elements being rotatable along the extension direction; and a steel belt covering the receiving space and the upper slide member, and including a contact surface to be pressed by the rolling elements
Implementation Method 2
two support frames fixed to the first and second end surfaces, respectively, and each including two opposite pivoting portions and a press portion; two retaining units pivotally connected to the two support frames
Data Source
AI summary
A linear module includes: a base, a slide stage, two support frames, two retaining units and a steel belt. With the pivoting freedom given by the guide portions of the retaining units, when the slide stage moves, the rolling elements can be abutted more closely against the contact surface of the steel belt via the pivoting of the guide portions, so as to reduce the occurrence of deformation and clearance produced by the steel belt, which not only improves the sealing performance of the steel belt and operation smoothness of the linear module, but also produces a dust proof effect, thus achieving the purposes of automatically adjusting contact angle, preventing deformation while extending the life of the steel belt.