Opposed-Thread Screw Rod for Precise Clamping of Off-Center Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis actuators with single-thread screw rods are limited in their ability to perform accurate determining operations, such as connecting or clamping, especially on asymmetrical objects with uneven centers of gravity.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent device featuring a screw rod with threads of opposite directions and different leads, allowing the first and second slides to move towards a determining operation area, enabling precise clamping and positioning of objects with asymmetrical dimensions and offset centers of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-thread screw rod is used in a single axis actuator, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the actuator can only move an object in a single direction and cannot perform accurate determining operations on asymmetrical objects
Solution Approach 1:
The screw rod is divided into multiple segments with different thread configurations. Each segment has threads extending in opposite directions with different leads, allowing the actuator to handle asymmetrical objects with uneven centers of gravity by distributing clamping forces differently on each side
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetrical thread design where the first and second threads have different leads and extend in opposite directions. This asymmetrical configuration enables the actuator to adapt to asymmetrical objects by creating balanced clamping forces despite the object's uneven weight distribution
2Device complexity
If a single-thread screw rod is used, then the device complexity is low, but the determining operation accuracy is insufficient for connecting or clamping asymmetrical objects
Solution Approach 1:
The screw rod is segmented into distinct threaded portions, each optimized for specific clamping requirements. This segmentation allows precise control over clamping forces at different locations without requiring an entirely complex multi-actuator system
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the screw rod have locally optimized thread properties (different leads and directions) tailored to the specific clamping needs at each location, enabling precise determining operations on asymmetrical objects while maintaining overall system simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If threads with different leads are used on opposite sides of the screw rod, then the adaptability to asymmetrical objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thread configurations with different leads and directions are merged into a single screw rod component. This integration achieves the adaptability of multiple actuators while maintaining the simplicity of a single actuator structure
Solution Approach 2:
The screw rod is designed with multi-functional thread configurations that can handle various asymmetrical object geometries and weight distributions. This universal design enables one actuator to perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized actuators
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 intelligent device effectively addresses the limitations of conventional actuators by enabling precise clamping and positioning of objects with asymmetrical dimensions and offset centers of gravity, enhancing operational accuracy and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The first ball rolls in the first thread groove and the first ball circulation channel to cyclically roll between the screw rod and the first slide. The second ball rolls in the second thread groove and the second ball circulation channel to cyclically roll between the screw rod and the second slide.
Implementation Method 2
The first ball circulation channel and the second ball circulation channel are respectively provided in the first slide body and the second slide body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are an intelligent device for determining an operation point (100) and a screw rod (120) thereof. The intelligent device for determining an operation point (100) includes a linear rail body (110), the screw rod (120), a first slide (130), a second slide (140), a first ball (150), and a second ball (160). The screw rod (120) is disposed on the linear rail body (110) and includes a first screw rod portion (121) and a second screw rod portion (122). The first screw rod portion (121) and the second screw rod portion (122) that are provided with thread grooves (1211, 1221) with different directions and different leads respectively. The first slide (130) and second slide (140) are slidably disposed on the linear rail body (110). The screw rod (120) penetrates through the first slide (130) and the second slide (140). The balls (150, 160) roll in the thread grooves (1211, 1221) of the screw rod (120) and the ball circulation channels (1312, 1412) of the slides (130, 140) to roll cyclically between the screw rod (120) and the slides (130, 140).