Machine Tool Guide Arrangement with Tensile Load Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide arrangements in machine tools lack sufficient rigidity under high loads, particularly due to the adverse effect of securing the moving part against loads in the opposite direction, which weakens the material and compromises lateral rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The guide arrangement shifts the stress from the movable part to the stationary part by introducing a load component that counteracts the distance direction, creating a tensile load, allowing the load to be introduced into the rolling area without reaching behind the support area, and incorporates a combined slide and roller guide design with a prestressed roller guide to enhance rigidity and avoid clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the moving part is secured against loads in the opposite direction by gripping behind the support surface, then the moving part is reliably guided, but the lateral rigidity of the sliding guide is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by changing the load introduction path. Instead of loading the support area in compression from behind, the load is introduced into the rolling area and transmitted through the stationary part to the support area in tension from the front. This reversal of load direction eliminates the need to grip behind the support surface, thereby maintaining lateral rigidity while ensuring reliable guiding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by introducing a new load path through the rolling area that operates in a different spatial dimension. The load is transmitted through the stationary part in the transverse direction, creating a tensile load path that bypasses the need for rearward gripping structures, thus preserving the lateral rigidity of the sliding guide.
2Reliability
If the support area protrudes relative to the surrounding structure to secure the moving part, then guiding is improved, but a weakened area of material is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional support area configuration by eliminating the protruding support area that creates weakened material zones. Instead, the support area is recessed or flush with the surrounding structure, and the load is carried through the rolling area and stationary part in tension, thereby maintaining guiding stability without compromising material strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the load-bearing function into two distinct areas: the sliding support area for vertical loading and the rolling area for transverse load transmission. This segmentation allows the support area to be recessed without compromising overall structural integrity, as the rolling area assumes the load transmission function through the stationary part.
3Strength
If a combined slide and roller guide design is implemented, then rigidity is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sliding guide and rolling guide into a single integrated structure where the stationary part serves both functions. The rolling area and sliding support area are combined in one component, eliminating the need for separate guide structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary part is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the rolling guide structure and the sliding guide structure. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple guiding functions, thereby enhancing rigidity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This solution achieves improved rigidity and stability in the guide arrangement, allowing for reliable linear movement and reduced stress on the guide, while also simplifying production and avoiding clamping forces, thus enhancing the overall performance of the machine tool.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling guide having a rolling portion associated with the stationary part
Implementation Method 2
The guide arrangement shifts the stress from the movable part to the stationary part
Implementation Method 3
a support area assigned to the stationary part, against which the movable part slidably supporting a holding force acting in a distance direction
Implementation Method 4
the movable part slidably supporting a holding force
Implementation Method 5
a tensile load occurs at least in this section
Implementation Method 6
the support area is loaded in compression
Data Source
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AI summary
Guide arrangement, in particular of a machine tool, for guiding a linear movement of a movable part extending relative to a stationary part along the axis of movement and in a transverse direction orthogonal to this axis, with a support area assigned to the stationary part, on which the movable part slides against a holding force acting in a spacing direction orthogonal to the extension of the movable part, and a rolling guide with a rolling area assigned to the stationary part, wherein a load originating from the movable part, having a component opposite to the holding force and acting on the rolling area, causes a load within the stationary part along a load path leading to the support area, wherein the load path has a path section with a component opposite to the load component in the spacing direction.