Linear Motion Guide Carriage Layout for Higher Load in Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motion guide apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a compact carriage size while ensuring adequate contact width for rolling elements, which results in reduced rated and allowable loads due to constraints on the circulation path layout.
Innovation Solution
The motion guide apparatus features a track member and carriage with a U-shaped turn path that bends in a direction where the loaded and return paths coincide, allowing for increased flexibility in circulation path placement without sacrificing contact width, and includes a retainer band that spreads apart in an inverted V-shape to adjust the turn path curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the circulation path is placed in the direction of the contact angle of the rolling element as viewed from the front of the carriage, then the contact width between the rolling element and the rolling element rolling portion is ensured, but the size of the carriage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation path is configured to extend in the width direction of the carriage rather than solely in the front-rear direction. This dimensional change allows the circulation path to be laid out more efficiently, maintaining adequate contact width while reducing the overall carriage size in the front-rear direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The turn path is designed with a curved configuration rather than sharp angles, allowing rolling elements to transition smoothly between the loaded path and return path. This curved design optimizes the space utilization within the carriage while maintaining proper contact conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If the circulation path is shifted from the direction of the contact angle to make the carriage compact, then the carriage size is reduced, but the contact width of the rolling element is sacrificed and the rated load and allowable load are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation path is positioned at specific locations within the carriage body that optimize both compactness and load-bearing capacity. By carefully selecting the local positions of the circulation path components, the design achieves space efficiency while maintaining adequate contact width for required load capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes parameters such as the curvature radius of the turn path, the width of the circulation path, and the positioning of rolling elements to achieve a balance between compact carriage size and sufficient contact width for maintaining rated and allowable loads.
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 design enhances the placement freedom of the circulation path, preventing load reductions and enabling a more compact carriage without compromising contact width, thereby increasing the rated and allowable loads of the motion guide apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer band that spreads apart in an inverted V-shape to adjust the turn path curvature
Data Source
AI summary
A motion guide apparatus is provided which can make a carriage compact without reducing a rated load and an allowable load. The motion guide apparatus includes: a track member (1) and a carriage (2) that moves along the track member (1). A circulation path (7) of the carriage (2) includes a loaded path (C1), a return path (C2) parallel to the loaded path (C1), and a substantially U-shaped turn path (C3) connected to the loaded path (C1) and the return path (C2). At least a part of the turn path (C3) bends in side view in a direction where the loaded path (C1) and the return path (C2) coincide.