Motion Guide Device Lubrication Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion guide devices face challenges in manufacturing lubricant supply paths that can efficiently distribute lubricants like oil and grease uniformly among rolling element circulation paths, especially due to difficulties in forming small diameter holes over long distances and varying lubricant viscosities, which affects lubrication quality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lubricant supply path with a first lubrication path extending from the side surfaces to the central portion, a second lubrication path connected to the first, and a third lubrication path in a groove shape, allowing for uniform lubricant distribution and enabling the greasing nipple to be mounted at various positions, using a built-up portion with a lower hole for tool guidance during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant supply path is formed from the side surface of the end plate to the central portion, then the lubricant can be supplied to the rolling element circulation path, but the hole-opening processing becomes difficult due to the long distance
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant supply path is divided into multiple segments: a first lubrication path from the side surface, a second lubrication path from the front surface, and a third lubrication path connecting to the rolling element circulation path. This segmentation allows each path to be shorter and easier to manufacture while still achieving comprehensive lubricant distribution to all rolling element circulation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant supply system transitions from a single-dimensional long horizontal path to a multi-dimensional network incorporating both horizontal (first lubrication path) and vertical (second lubrication path from front surface) dimensions. This dimensional change shortens individual path lengths while maintaining effective lubricant delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If the hole diameter is made small for precise lubricant supply, then the lubrication precision is improved, but the processing difficulty increases due to the long path length
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant supply system is segmented into multiple paths with different orientations and lengths. The first lubrication path extends horizontally from the side surface, while the second lubrication path extends vertically from the front surface. This segmentation allows each path to use appropriately sized holes that are easier to process while maintaining precise and uniform lubricant distribution through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the end plate have different hole configurations optimized for their specific functions. The first lubrication path has holes positioned to distribute lubricant along the horizontal axis, while the second lubrication path has holes positioned for vertical distribution. This local optimization allows small diameter holes to be processed more easily while achieving precise lubricant supply to each rolling element circulation path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the greasing nipple is attached to arbitrary positions on the end plate, then the adaptability to different mounting conditions is improved, but the lubricant supply path configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is designed with multiple lubrication paths (first from side surface, second from front surface) that can work together or independently. This multi-functionality allows the greasing nipple to be attached to various positions while the appropriate lubrication path(s) automatically supply lubricant to all rolling element circulation paths, maintaining adaptability without requiring complex custom configurations for each mounting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant supply system is designed to be dynamically adaptable to different mounting positions. The network of first and second lubrication paths allows the system to automatically utilize the most effective paths based on where the greasing nipple is attached, providing flexible adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion guide device has a moving block mounting surface 501 of an end plate 5 formed in a planar shape and a thinned-down portion 52 formed in an opposing moving block mounting surface 502. Moreover, in this motion guide device, a lubrication path 30 includes: a first lubrication path 30a formed extending in a horizontal direction from a surface of side surfaces parallel to a longer direction of a track rail 1 in the end plate 5 to a central portion of the end plate 5; a second lubrication path 30b formed in the central portion of the end plate 5; and a third lubrication path 30c connected to the second lubrication path and formed in a groove shape in the moving block mounting surface 501 of the end plate 5, and, moreover, the first lubrication path 30a is formed in a hollow shape continuous to inside a built-up portion 52a appended to the thinned-down portion 52 of the end plate 5. Having such a configuration enables this motion guide device to achieve an average dispersal of lubricant to each of rolling element circulation paths regardless of mounting position of a greasing nipple with respect to the end plate, type of lubricant, and so on.