Motion Device Miniaturization via Cylindrical Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion devices face limitations in miniaturization due to the need for screw holes that require a certain surface area for fixation, restricting the reduction of size in the direction perpendicular to the orbital element, especially in precision equipment where compactness is essential.

Innovation Solution

The motion device incorporates cylindrical protrusions that are pivotally supported on bearings, eliminating the need for screw holes and allowing for a significant reduction in size by integrating rolling surfaces and forming components such as lids and exterior members to cover and fix the moving elements, thereby reducing the total size and component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw holes are used to fix lids to moving elements, then fixation reliability is improved, but device size in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size perpendicular to longitudinal direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the screw holes from the contact surfaces of moving elements and lids. Instead of using screw holes for fixation, the patent uses circumferential grooves (rolling surfaces) formed on the outer periphery surfaces of moving elements to support and fix the lids, thereby removing the need for additional surface area dedicated to screw holes and enabling device miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential grooves (rolling surfaces) formed on the outer periphery surfaces of moving elements serve multiple functions: they act as bearing surfaces to support the lids, provide rolling contact for smooth relative motion between moving elements and lids, and eliminate the need for separate fixation structures like screw holes. This multi-functionality allows the device to be miniaturized while maintaining fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If screw fixation is used to seal rolling elements, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the sealing function with the structural support function. The circumferential grooves (rolling surfaces) that support the lids also serve as the sealing structure for rolling elements. By integrating these functions into a single structural feature, the patent eliminates separate sealing components and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If bearings are added to support moving elements pivotally, then motion freedom is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion freedomVSAvoiddevice size perpendicular to longitudinal direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention nests the bearing function within the existing structure of the moving elements. The circumferential grooves (rolling surfaces) formed on the outer periphery surfaces of moving elements serve as integrated bearing surfaces, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. This nesting approach provides pivotal support and motion freedom while avoiding the space requirements of traditional bearings, thereby enabling device miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 approach results in a substantial miniaturization of the motion device, reducing the size by approximately 50% in the direction perpendicular to the orbital element, enhancing compactness and productivity while maintaining high motion freedom and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

cylindrical protrusions into which the orbital element is inserted, protruding in the longitudinal direction, being installed so as to be pivotally supportable on bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS8469595B2Motion device and moving device

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 THK CO LTD

AI summary

A motion device includes an orbital element, and a moving element into which the orbital element is inserted, the moving element guided so as to be able to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction of the orbital element, wherein at ends of the moving element, cylindrical protrusions into which the orbital element is inserted are formed and protrude in the longitudinal direction of the orbital element so as to be pivotally supportable on bearings, and total size around the orbital element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusions is smaller than that of the moving element.