Resilient Projection Ring Assembly for Low-Friction Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring configurations for component displacement control face challenges such as high moving efforts, complex assembly procedures, unwanted component vibration, and high part counts, which affect the precision and efficiency of linear and rotational movement control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a ring assembly that includes a band of resilient material with projections, which can compress radially to allow for desired movement when a force is applied, while restricting movement when no force or an undesired force is applied, utilizing a low friction/wear resistant layer to minimize sliding forces and maintain precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a close fit between inner and outer components is sought to reduce relative vibration, then vibration control is improved, but frictional forces and assembly forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple circumferential sections with gaps between them, allowing the ring to flex and adapt to component tolerances while maintaining contact. This segmentation reduces the need for tight fits while still providing vibration control through the distributed contact points across multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring's cross-sectional geometry is designed with specific curvature and thickness parameters that allow it to deform elastically under load. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the ring maintains consistent contact pressure across the interface without requiring excessive assembly forces or creating high friction during operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If strong and substantial contact between components is used to reduce vibration, then vibration control is improved, but assembly forces and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed as a dynamic element that can elastically deform to accommodate variations in component dimensions and assembly conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the ring to self-adjust during assembly, maintaining effective contact for vibration control without requiring precisely controlled high assembly forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring utilizes composite material construction combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve optimal balance between stiffness (for vibration control) and elasticity (for easy assembly). The composite structure allows the ring to maintain contact pressure while being tolerant of assembly variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If minimal variation in sliding forces is sought, then movement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple identical or similar circumferential segments, which simplifies the design and manufacturing of each individual segment while collectively providing smooth, consistent sliding characteristics. The repetition of standardized segments reduces complexity compared to designing a completely custom continuous ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ring cross-section have optimized local properties - the outer surface is designed for low friction contact, while the inner structure provides necessary stiffness and flexibility. This local differentiation allows the ring to maintain precise movement characteristics without requiring complex overall结构设计.
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 ring assembly achieves precise control of linear and rotational movements with reduced frictional forces, lower assembly forces, and costs, while minimizing vibration and part counts, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of component displacement control systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a low friction/wear resistant layer to minimize sliding forces
Implementation Method 2
a band of resilient material with projections, which can compress radially to allow for desired movement when a force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly having an outer component, an inner component, and a ring positioned between the outer component and the inner component, where the ring has at least one radially extending projection adapted to seat within at least one groove in the inner component or outer component, and where the projection is adapted to compress radially to allow rotational or axial movement between the inner component and the outer component upon application of rotational or axial force respectively to at least one of the inner component or the outer component.