Linear Motion Guide Recirculation Groove Blocking Reverse Running

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing motion guide apparatuses suffer from early deterioration of the recirculation groove due to the reverse running of rolling elements, which worsens movement and durability issues.

Innovation Solution

A motion guide apparatus with a lid member blocking the opposite direction of rolling element travel in the recirculation groove, while maintaining necessary pickup start portions unblocked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the block is formed with the recirculation groove and rolling elements are allowed to circulate freely, then the manufacture of the block is facilitated and rolling elements are recirculated, but the rolling elements run in the opposite direction to the rail member in the return groove causing early deterioration of the recirculation groove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufacture of blockVSAvoiddurability of recirculation groove

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation groove is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rolling groove section where rolling elements roll between the rail member and block, a return groove section for opposite-direction travel, and turn groove sections for direction changes. The lid member further segments the return groove to block harmful reverse running while leaving the rolling groove section open for proper recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the recirculation groove are given different properties and functions. The rolling groove section remains open to allow proper rolling element circulation and load-bearing function, while the return groove section is blocked by the lid member to prevent harmful reverse running. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve ease of manufacture and improved durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If rolling elements are allowed to run in the return groove in the opposite direction to the rail member, then recirculation is achieved, but movement quality deteriorates and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecirculation of rolling elementsVSAvoidmovement quality and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful reverse running function is extracted and removed from the system by blocking the return groove with the lid member. Only the beneficial rolling motion in the rolling groove section is maintained, while the detrimental opposite-direction travel in the return groove is eliminated. This extraction allows recirculation to continue through proper rolling motion without the harmful reverse running component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20260092625A1Motion guide apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 THK CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a motion guide apparatus capable of making the movement of rolling elements excellent and improving the durability of a recirculation groove of a block. A motion guide apparatus (1) includes: a rail member (2) including a rolling groove (7); a block (4) including a recirculation groove (5) having a rolling groove (8) facing the rolling groove (7) of the rail member (2), a return groove (9), and a turn groove (10); and a plurality of rolling elements (3) placed in the recirculation groove (5). The rolling elements (3) are picked up, sandwiched between the turn groove (10) of the block (4) and the rolling groove (7) of the rail member (2). A lid member (11) that blocks a part of the turn groove (10) and the return groove (9) is mounted on the block (4).