Rack-Pinion Guide Module for Slip-Free Curved Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving devices lack a reliable guide module to prevent slipping when a moving unit mounted on a pinion moves along a straight or curved trajectory of a rack, leading to unstable operation and potential durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A guide module comprising a pair of module rails with rail blocks and a pair of slipping prevention guide assemblies connected to the moving unit, allowing the assemblies to move along the module rails and guide the moving unit to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide module is not adopted in the rack and pinion driving device, then the device structure is simple, but the moving unit experiences slipping during straight-curved trajectory movement, leading to unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide module is introduced as an intermediary component between the moving unit and the rack-pinion system. The guide module includes guide rails that extend along the straight and curved trajectories, with guide wheels that roll along these rails to prevent slipping. This intermediary structure provides stable guidance without fundamentally altering the rack-pinion driving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide module is segmented into multiple components: guide rails divided into straight sections and curved sections, guide wheels arranged in pairs, and connection structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The guide wheels are further divided into driving guide wheels (engaging with rack teeth) and non-driving guide wheels (rolling on guide rails).
2Strength
If a heavy moving unit is mounted on the pinion without a guide module, then the device complexity is low, but lots of load is applied to the rack or pinion, deteriorating durability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide module acts as a load-distributing intermediary by introducing guide rails that bear part of the moving unit's weight and guide forces. The guide wheels transfer loads from the moving unit to the guide rails, reducing the burden on the rack and pinion. This allows heavy loads to be supported without requiring reinforcement of the primary driving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are pre-installed along the intended trajectory paths, and the guide wheels are pre-positioned on the moving unit to engage with these rails. This preliminary arrangement ensures that load distribution is established before operation begins, preventing excessive loads on the rack and pinion from the outset rather than requiring corrective measures during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a guide module and a driving device provided with the same. A driving device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept includes: a rack formed in at least any one combination of a straight rack portion of a straight type and a curved rack portion of a curved type; a pinion interacting with the rack and moving along a straight or curved trajectory of the rack; a moving unit connected to the pinion and moving along the trajectory of the rack with the pinion; and a guide module connected to the moving unit and guiding a movement of the moving unit that moves along the trajectory of the rack, wherein the guide module includes: a pair of module rails, each including a rail block and arranged on one side of the rack forming a same trajectory as the rack; and a pair of slipping prevention guide assemblies connected to the moving unit forming one body with the pinion, one of which being movably coupled to each of the pair of module rails, and moving along the trajectory of each of the pair of module rails and guiding the movement of the moving unit to prevent occurrence of slipping.