Roller Mechanism for Rotary to Linear Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for converting rotary motion into linear motion lack high positioning accuracy, which is essential for precise linear motion conversion and effective operation in lifting devices.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising a rod with a threaded outer surface, a holder member with rollers arranged at an angle matching the lead angle of the thread, and a thrust bearing system that includes a convex thrust bearing portion and a thrust facing member with an adjustable distance, allowing for precise conversion between rotary and linear motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple roller mechanism is used for conversion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is segmented into multiple functional components: roller shaft, roller annular groove member, thrust bearings, thrust facing member, and step surface. Each component performs a specific function (rotation support, linear motion conversion, thrust load bearing, positioning), allowing the system to achieve high positioning accuracy through coordinated action of simplified individual parts
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary element between the threaded rod and holder member. It converts the rotary motion of the holder member into linear motion of the rod through its annular grooves rolling on the threaded portion, while the thrust bearings and thrust facing member mediate the load transmission, maintaining positioning accuracy without excessive complexity
2Reliability
If thrust bearings are added to support the roller, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearings are merged with the roller assembly as an integrated unit. The thrust bearing portion is integrally formed with the roller shaft, and the thrust facing member is positioned within the holder member, creating a compact combined structure that improves reliability without adding separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearings serve multiple functions: supporting the roller annular groove member during rotation, absorbing axial thrust loads, and maintaining precise positioning of the roller relative to the holder member. This multi-functionality improves reliability while avoiding the need for separate components for each function
3Device complexity
If the thrust facing member is positioned close to the step surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to increased slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust facing member is pre-positioned at an optimized distance from the step surface during assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that the roller maintains proper engagement with the threaded rod while preventing excessive slippage, achieving accurate linear motion conversion without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 achieves high positioning accuracy and efficient conversion between rotary and linear motion, enabling reliable operation in lifting devices with reduced size and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of annular grooves rolling on the rod while kept in mesh with the threaded portion
Implementation Method 2
a rod having a threaded portion constituting an outer circumferential surface thereof; a plurality of rollers supported by the holder member and arranged on the rod in a manner that each of the rollers is disposed at an angle to the rod; the angle being substantially equal to a lead angle of the threaded portion
Implementation Method 3
a pair of thrust bearings that rotatably support the roller annular groove member around the roller shaft
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion in which high positioning accuracy can be obtained in mutual conversion between rotary motion and linear motion. The mechanism includes a plurality of rollers having a roller annular groove member and a pair of thrust bearings, a thrust bearing portion that is convex shaped and is held between the pair of thrust bearings on an outer surface of an end of the roller shaft, a step surface that is disposed on an inner surface of the roller annular groove member and facing to the thrust bearing portion putting one of the pair of thrust bearing in between, a thrust facing member that is in mesh with an inner surface of the roller annular groove member and is facing to the thrust bearing portion putting the other one of the pair of thrust bearing in between.