Linear Slide Lubrication Device with Density-Gradient Wool Felt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear slides experience excessive lubricant outflow due to the continuous dispensing of lubricant by the oil guide member, leading to oil leaks, even when the movable member is not in motion.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating device with a slide block module featuring circulation members, a smearing member, and a dispenser, where the smearing member and dispenser are made of wool felt with different densities, and the dispenser controls the lubricant flow to the smearing member, preventing lubricant outflow unless the rolling member is in contact with it, thus minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the oil guide member continuously dispenses lubricant from the oil tank, then the lubrication between the movable member and long axle is improved, but the lubricant leaks out excessively even when the movable member is not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static continuous dispensing system into a dynamic on-demand system. The dispenser only releases lubricant when the movable member is in contact with it, making the lubrication system adaptive to the actual operational state. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable lubrication during motion while preventing leakage during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the contact between the movable member and the dispenser serves as a trigger signal. When contact occurs, the system receives feedback that lubrication is needed, and the dispenser responds by releasing lubricant. This feedback loop ensures lubricant is dispensed only when necessary, eliminating unnecessary leakage while maintaining effective lubrication.
2Reliability
If the smearing structure is provided between the movable member and oil tank, then lubricant is delivered to the rolling groove, but the lubricant flows out continuously causing oil leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the dispenser as an intermediary component between the oil tank and the movable member. This intermediary controls the flow of lubricant, acting as a gatekeeper that permits lubricant passage only when the movable member contacts the dispenser. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable lubricant delivery while preventing harmful oil leakage through controlled intermediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of lubricant flow from continuous to conditional. By modifying the flow state based on the contact condition between the movable member and dispenser, the system achieves reliable lubricant delivery during operation while preventing oil leakage during idle periods through parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If an additional oil tank is provided to store lubricant, then the lubrication system can control lubricant flow, but the length of the slide block module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oil storage function with the existing circulation member structure. Instead of adding a separate oil tank that would increase length, the lubricant storage capacity is integrated into the circulation member, combining multiple functions into a single component. This resolves the contradiction by achieving lubricant flow control without increasing the overall length of the slide block module.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation member is given multi-functionality by serving both as a structural component for ball circulation and as a lubricant storage reservoir. This universal design eliminates the need for additional dedicated oil tank space, maintaining compact dimensions while enabling controlled lubricant flow through the integrated dispenser system.
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
Effectively manages lubricant outflow, reducing oil leaks and maintaining lubrication only when necessary, without increasing the length of the slide block module by utilizing the existing space for oil storage within the circulation members, enhancing the practicality and efficiency of the lubrication system.
Implementation Method 1
The dispenser absorbs the lubricant and dispenses the lubricant to the smearing member. The smearing member and the dispenser are made of wool felt.
Implementation Method 2
The smearing member and the dispenser are made of wool felt. The wool felt of the smearing member has a density different from that of the dispenser.
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear slide having a lubricating device includes a long axle (1), a slide block module slidably disposed on the long axle (1), a smearing member (4), and a dispenser (5). The slide block module includes a slide block (2) and two circulation members (3). The two circulation members (3) are disposed at two end surfaces (23) of the slide block (2), respectively. The two circulation members (3) each have a plurality of circulation channels (30). At least one of the circulation members (30) has an oil storage trough (321) and a retaining through hole (323). The oil storage trough (321), the circulation channels (30), and the retaining through hole (323) are in communication with each other. The oil storage trough (321) is filled with lubricant. The smearing member (4) is disposed in the retaining through hole (323). The dispenser (5) covers the smearing member (4). The dispenser (5) absorbs the lubricant and dispenses the lubricant to the smearing member (4). When a rolling member (9) passes through the circulation channels (30), the rolling member (9) is in contact with the smearing member (4) and lubricated with the lubricant. The smearing member (4) and the dispenser (5) are made of wool felt. The wool felt of the smearing member (4) has a density different from that of the dispenser (5). The density of the wool felt can be changed depending on the environment of use of various linear slides.