Motion Guide Device With 3D Crossing Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion guide devices face misalignment issues due to dimensional errors in direction changing passages, leading to poor movement of rolling members and retainers, requiring strict assembly and dimension control.
Innovation Solution
The motion guide device features a side cover with both outer and inner direction changing passages formed on it, allowing them to cross three-dimensionally, and includes a retainer guiding member and rolling-member guiding member to ensure smooth circulation by eliminating level differences and reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage is formed on the end plate, then both direction changing passages can cross three-dimensionally, but dimensional errors and assembly errors cause misalignment in the crossing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is divided into two separate components: the end plate itself and the inner/outer direction changing passage component. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the accumulation of dimensional errors and making it easier to control the crossing angle alignment through separate positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner/outer direction changing passage component acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the end plate and the inner direction changing passage. This intermediate component provides a stable reference surface for forming the outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage, ensuring accurate crossing angle even when assembly errors occur.
2Shape
If the outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage is formed on the end plate, then both direction changing passages can cross three-dimensionally, but the rolling members are forced to move poorly due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the end plate structure into separate components, the patent ensures that the passage walls are formed by precisely fitted parts rather than a monolithic structure prone to misalignment. This segmentation maintains smooth passage geometry, allowing rolling members to move freely without being forced or constrained by misaligned surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner/outer direction changing passage component is designed to self-align with the end plate through its positioning features, automatically ensuring proper geometry for smooth rolling member movement without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
3Shape
If the outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage is formed on the end plate, then both direction changing passages can cross three-dimensionally, but strict control of assembly and part dimensions is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex end plate structure into manageable components with standardized interfaces. This segmentation simplifies the overall manufacturing and assembly process by allowing each component to be produced using standard tolerances and assembly procedures, reducing the need for strict control of overall dimensions while maintaining the three-dimensional crossing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner/outer direction changing passage component serves multiple functions: it forms the outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage, provides a positioning reference for the crossing angle, and acts as a structural connector between the end plate and the passage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a motion guide device having inner and outer direction changing passages that mutually cross three-dimensionally, in which a retainer is able to smoothly circulate even when an outer peripheral side of the inner direction changing passage as well as an outer peripheral side of the outer direction changing passage are formed on an end plate.An outer peripheral side (18) of the outer direction changing passage and an outer peripheral side (19) of the inner direction changing passage are so formed on an end plate (5) as to cross each other three-dimensionally. Built in the end plate (5) is an inner/outer direction changing passage component (24) formed to serve as not only an inner peripheral side (25) of the outer direction changing passage but also an outer peripheral side (26) of the inner direction changing passage together with the outer peripheral side (19) of the inner direction changing passage formed on the end plate (5). Built in the end plate (5) in which the inner/outer direction changing passage component (24) is built is a retainer guiding member (29) formed extending over an entire length of the inner direction changing passage and to guide an outer peripheral side of the retainer (10) that passes the inner direction changing passage.