Linear Motion Guide Unit Auxiliary Lip Gap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion guide units are vulnerable to foreign substance ingress due to gaps created by level differences between sealing members and inclined faces, allowing substances to enter the sliding mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The integration of auxiliary lips on the inclined faces of the end seals, which contact the sealing members, effectively closes these gaps, preventing foreign substances from entering the sliding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lips are designed with inclined faces to reduce contact area and sliding resistance, then sliding resistance is reduced, but gaps are created between the inclined faces and sealing members allowing foreign substances to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The lip is segmented into multiple functional regions: the inclined face 9b for reducing contact area and sliding resistance, the contact corner 9a for making contact with the guide rail, and the auxiliary lip 14 for closing gaps. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary lip 14 acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the inclined face 9b and the sealing member 4 or 5. It fills the space created by the level difference, preventing foreign substances from entering while allowing the inclined face to maintain its low-contact-area design.
2Device complexity
If end seals are positioned to contact the guide rail with inclined faces, then contact area is reduced, but level differences create gaps that allow foreign substance ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lip 14 extends in a direction perpendicular to the inclined face 9b, creating a three-dimensional sealing structure. This additional dimensional element fills the gap created by the level difference without interfering with the inclined face's contact function.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary lip 14 is pre-positioned to close the gap between the inclined face 9b and the sealing member before foreign substances can enter. This preliminary sealing action prevents contamination without requiring modification to the inclined face design.
3Reliability
If sealing members are mounted on the slider, then foreign substances are prevented from entering, but gaps between sealing members and end seals allow substances to slip through
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lip 14 merges the sealing functions of the end seal and the sealing member by physically connecting their sealing zones. It creates a continuous sealing barrier that eliminates the gap between these two sealing components, preventing foreign substances from penetrating through.
Data Source
AI summary
The sliding mechanism including rolling elements 3 as a main element is protected against entry of foreign substances. First, second auxiliary lips 14, 15 are formed in positions on inclined faces 9b formed on lips 9 of end seals S facing and making contact with end faces of sealing members 4, 5. Gaps 10, 11 otherwise formed between different levels of the end faces of the sealing members 4, 5 and the inclined faces 9b of the lips 9, are closed with the first, second auxiliary lips 14, 15. Since the gaps 10, 11 are thus closed, foreign substances do not enter the sliding mechanism M through the gaps 10, 11.