Rolling Guide Retainer Displacement Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling guide apparatuses with finite rollers experience retainer displacement due to friction, leading to positioning inaccuracies and potential buckling, requiring frequent and cumbersome correction methods.
Innovation Solution
A guide apparatus with a displacement regulator using a linear motor mechanism, where the displacement regulator moves at half the velocity of the moving object, maintaining constant retainer positions through stoppers and stopper holding members, synchronized with the linear motor feed mechanism to prevent retainer displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rolling guides with finite rollers are used, then low friction and high movement precision are achieved, but retainer displacement occurs due to friction with the moving object
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent drive mechanisms: one for moving the table and another for moving the displacement regulator. This segmentation allows the regulator to independently compensate for retainer displacement while the table performs its primary function, resolving the contradiction between movement precision and retainer position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement regulator acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and compensates for retainer displacement. By detecting the retainer's position relative to the table and adjusting the regulator's position accordingly, the system maintains stable retainer positioning while preserving high movement precision.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and stoppers are used to correct retainer displacement, then positioning accuracy can be restored, but deformation of the retainer occurs due to collision with stoppers
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement regulator proactively prevents retainer displacement by continuously adjusting its position to compensate for friction-induced shifts. This preliminary action eliminates the need for corrective collisions with stoppers, thereby maintaining retainer integrity while preserving positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement regulator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the table and retainers. It absorbs the compensatory adjustments needed to maintain positioning accuracy, preventing direct collision between retainers and stoppers and thus avoiding retainer deformation.
3Reliability
If periodic position correction by contact with stoppers is implemented, then retainer displacement is corrected, but unnecessary time is wasted and frequent corrections are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement regulator operates continuously to prevent retainer displacement, eliminating the need for periodic corrections. This continuous action maintains retainer position stability without interrupting the table's operation, thereby eliminating time loss associated with frequent stop-and-correct cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement regulator is self-driven by a separate ball screw mechanism that automatically compensates for retainer displacement without requiring external intervention or stopping the table's motion. This self-service capability maintains retainer stability continuously without wasting time on periodic corrections.
4Reliability
If a ball screw mechanism is added to move the displacement regulator, then retainer displacement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The added ball screw mechanism for the displacement regulator uses a similar mechanical principle to the existing table drive system. This universality allows the new mechanism to be integrated with minimal additional complexity, as it employs comparable components and control methods to the existing infrastructure.
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
This solution securely prevents retainer displacement, enhances positioning accuracy, reduces the need for frequent corrections, and maintains high precision movement without deforming the retainers, while eliminating the need for deceleration mechanisms and lubrication-related precision issues.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor mechanism for moving the displacement regulator in the same direction as the moving direction of the moving object
Implementation Method 2
A moving object on finite rollers is driven to move by a ball screw
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for preventing displacement of a retainer in a rolling guide by making use of the property of the retainer of moving half the distance of a moving object, such as a table. The apparatus for preventing displacement of a retainer in a guide apparatus having a plurality of finite rollers held by retainers and including a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of a moving object of a machine tool along guide surfaces of a bed or a saddle, and a linear motor feed mechanism for feeding the moving object, includes: a displacement regulator having a stopper for regulating the position of each retainer, the regulator being movable in conjunction of the movement of the moving object; a line of magnet plates of a linear motor for driving of the moving object, the line of magnetic plates being a constituent of a linear motor feed mechanism for the moving object and being arranged parallel to the guide surfaces; a linear motor mechanism for moving the displacement regulator in the same direction as the moving direction of the moving body; and a linear motor control means for moving the displacement regulator in synchronization with the movement of the moving object at a velocity which is one-half of the velocity of the moving object.