Movement-guiding device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional movement-guiding devices with unlimited circulation type linear guides face malfunctions due to cage misalignment and have a high maximum overall height, limiting their compactness and operational performance.
Innovation Solution
A movement-guiding device with a joint member that connects two linear guides mounted back-to-back with a height difference, utilizing rolling elements and mating mechanisms to stabilize the movement and reduce overall height, allowing for stable operation in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sets of linear guides are combined back-to-back via an intermediate member to eliminate cage misalignment malfunction, then reliability is improved, but the maximum overall height increases and the device becomes difficult to mount in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a horizontal back-to-back arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement of linear guides. The intermediate member is configured with a vertical orientation, allowing the first and second linear guides to be stacked one above the other. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint and maximum overall height while maintaining the back-to-back connection that prevents cage misalignment malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the movable intermediate member that can shift position vertically along the rails. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining compact dimensions. The intermediate member's ability to move enables the linear guides to be repositioned optimally, reducing the maximum overall height while preserving operational stability.
2Reliability
If blocks are installed back-to-back via an intermediate member to achieve unlimited circulation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple functions into the intermediate member. This single component simultaneously serves as: (1) the connection element joining the two linear guides back-to-back, (2) the movable element that can shift position, (3) the structural support for the rolling elements, and (4) the mechanism enabling unlimited circulation. By combining these functions into one component, the patent reduces structural complexity while maintaining operational stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact shape with low maximum overall height is achieved, then ease of installation is improved, but the device may not provide sufficient operational performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through the movable intermediate member that can shift vertically along the rails. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining compact dimensions. The intermediate member's ability to move enables the linear guides to be repositioned optimally, reducing the maximum overall height while preserving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a horizontal back-to-back arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement of linear guides. The intermediate member is configured with a vertical orientation, allowing the first and second linear guides to be stacked one above the other. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint and maximum overall height while maintaining the back-to-back connection that prevents cage misalignment malfunction.
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
The solution enables a compact movement-guiding device that prevents malfunctions and can be mounted in small spaces while maintaining high operational performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
ball bearings (rolling elements) are disposed between the outer rail and the intermediate rail and between the intermediate rail and the inner rail, and each of the rails performs a sliding operation smoothly due to the ball bearings (rolling elements) disposed between each of the rails
Data Source
AI summary
This movement-guiding device 10 comprises: a moving rail 21 including a rolling element rolling surface 23; a first block 22 that engages with the rolling element rolling surface 23 of the moving rail 21 via a plurality of rolling elements; a fixed rail 31 including a rolling element rolling surface 33; a second block 32 that engages with the rolling element rolling surface 33 of the fixed rail 31 via a plurality of rolling elements; and a joint member 40 which is formed in a plank shape and which connects the moving rail 21 and the fixed rail 31 by having the first block 22 mounted on one surface and having the second block 32 mounted on the other surface, the joint member 40 being formed having a height difference. As a result of having such a configuration, this movement-guiding device 10 can be mounted in a limited space.