Rolling Element Retainer Belt with Resilient Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling element retainer belts face issues with structural strength and proper positioning of rolling elements when continuously turning, especially when the circulating passage is not perpendicular to the belt surface, leading to resistance and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A rolling element retainer belt design featuring elongate and flat belts with axial holes, separators having upper and lower spacers with smooth surfaces and recesses, and curved mounting surfaces that allow for smooth deformation and retention of rolling elements, enhancing structural strength and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retainer belt is made flexible to deform in non-perpendicular directions, then the rolling elements can move smoothly along non-perpendicular paths, but the structural strength becomes insufficient when continuously turning
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer belt is divided into multiple segments including resilient strips, transverse resilient belts, separators, and mounting surfaces. Each segment can deform independently to accommodate non-perpendicular motion paths while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coordinated action of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer belt employs a composite structure combining resilient strips with transverse resilient belts and rigid separators. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed for non-perpendicular deformation and the structural strength required for continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separators are made resilient to allow rotation and tilting, then the retainer belt gains degrees of freedom for three-dimensional circulating passage, but the connection area becomes limited and structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separators are designed with differentiated local properties: the main body provides resilience for rotation and tilting, while the mounting surfaces provide rigid, smooth contact areas for positioning rolling elements. This local quality differentiation allows adaptability without compromising connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surfaces are designed with curved (spherical or cylindrical) geometries that provide smooth contact for rolling elements while distributing stresses evenly across the separator structure, enhancing both adaptability and structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between separators and rolling elements for smooth movement, then the rolling elements can move freely, but the rolling elements shift and cannot be properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The separators feature localized smooth mounting surfaces that provide precise positioning for rolling elements, while other portions maintain clearance to allow free movement. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between free movement and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth mounting surfaces on the separators automatically position the rolling elements correctly through contact, eliminating the need for additional positioning mechanisms while maintaining both freedom of movement and positioning accuracy.
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 design ensures smooth movement of rolling elements along non-perpendicular paths by overcoming resistance and maintaining proper positioning, with enhanced structural strength to handle continuous deformation.
Implementation Method 1
at least two thin and elongate resilient strips are connected to two ends of transverse resilient belts. The transverse resilient belts are connected to the separators at the mediate portions thereof. The transverse resilient belts are ensured to have the longest length and sufficient flexibility and can be deformed toward two opposite directions.
Implementation Method 2
A series of rolling elements are movable between and in contact with the rails. The rolling elements enter the return passage via the direction changing passage and then enter the other rail via the return passage and the direction changing passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A distortable rolling element retainer belt and a linear motion guide apparatus include a flat belt with holes defined therein and a separating portion is located between the adjacent holes. An upper spacer and a lower spacer are connected to each separating portion and a recess is defined between each separating portion and the upper spacer as well as between each separating portion and the lower spacer. The two recesses are located at different sides of the upper and the lower spacers so that the spacers on the rolling element retainer belt can be distorted to overcome the resistance from bending when the rolling elements traveling in a circulating passage which is not perpendicular to the surface of the rolling element retainer belt.