Linear Guide Return Cover with Self-Replenishing Lubricant Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guides stop lubricant supply when the lubricant in the lubricant-containing member is consumed, necessitating maintenance for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide configuration with a porous elastic valve retainer and lubricant retainer having a storage space filled with lubricant, allowing continuous replenishment and supply to the guide rail, ensuring prolonged lubricant impregnation and uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant-containing member is used to supply lubricant to the guide rail, then lubricant supply is achieved, but the supply stops when the lubricant is consumed, requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant supply system is divided into two separate components: a lubricant retainer (porous elastic body) and a lubricant storage space (reservoir). The lubricant retainer can be replenished from the storage space, extending the operational duration without requiring replacement of the entire lubricant-containing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant storage space is designed to replenish the lubricant retainer automatically when lubricant is consumed. This recovery mechanism ensures continuous lubricant supply by transferring lubricant from the storage space to the retainer, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance interventions.
2Ease of operation
If a lubricant-containing member is used, then lubricant can be supplied to the guide rail, but maintenance and replacement are necessary when lubricant is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lubricant retainer from the lubricant storage space, the system allows the retainer to be refilled in place from the storage space rather than requiring complete replacement. This segmentation simplifies maintenance operations while ensuring continuous lubricant supply to the guide rail.
3Quantity of substance
If lubricant is impregnated into a lubricant-containing member, then lubricant supply is enabled, but the amount of lubricant is limited and supply stops when consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant retainer is positioned within or adjacent to the lubricant storage space, allowing the retainer to be replenished from the storage space. This nested arrangement enables the system to hold a larger total quantity of lubricant while maintaining the ability to supply it continuously over an extended duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant storage space automatically replenishes the lubricant retainer when lubricant is consumed during operation. This recovery mechanism ensures that the lubricant supply duration is extended beyond what a single impregnated member could provide, as lubricant is continuously transferred from the storage space to the retainer.
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 lubricant retainer maintains a constant lubricant supply over a long period, preventing lubricant depletion and enabling continuous operation without the need for frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a valve retainer made up from a porous elastic body and being in a sliding contact with the guide rail of the body is supported by the return cover
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant retainer has a lubricant storage space filled with a lubricant inside. According to the linear guide, each time the lubricant in the lubricant retainer is consumed, the lubricant retainer is replenished with the lubricant filled in the lubricant storage space
Data Source
AI summary
A return cover provided with a ball circulation path is attached to a slider, a lubricant retainer made up from a porous elastic body and in sliding contact with a guide rail of a body is supported by the return cover, and the lubricant retainer is provided therein with a lubricant storage space filled with lubricant.