Rolling Guide Holding Belt Clearance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rolling guide devices experience uneven wear of the holding belt due to repeated tensile force when the rolling elements move in the endless circulation path, particularly at high speeds, causing the belt to strongly rub against guide grooves in the direction change paths.

Innovation Solution

The rolling guide device incorporates a holding belt with a guide groove system where the maximum clearance between the belt ends is controlled such that the leading end contacts the trailing end before it rubs against the guide groove, alleviating the tensile force and preventing uneven wear by ensuring the belt moves with both tensile and pressing forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holding belt is incorporated into the endless circulation path with both end portions opposed to each other, then the rolling elements can circulate freely in the endless circulation path, but the holding belt experiences repeated tensile force that causes uneven wear against the guide grooves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree circulation of rolling elementsVSAvoiddurability of holding belt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the rolling elements in the pockets of the holding belt and configuring the belt tension such that the elements are retained before any problematic motion occurs. The holding belt is tensioned to create a preliminary constraining force that prevents the belt from excessively rubbing against guide grooves during circulation, thereby counteracting the wear-causing tensile forces before they can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the tension state of the holding belt and the dimensional relationships within the endless circulation path. By optimizing parameters such as belt tension, pocket depth, and clearance between belt ends, the system maintains sufficient tension to prevent slack-induced rubbing while allowing free circulation of rolling elements, thus resolving the contradiction between operational freedom and belt durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the moving block is moved at high speed relative to the track rail, then the productivity of the rolling guide device is improved, but the tensile force on the holding belt increases causing stronger rubbing and uneven wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoving speed of moving blockVSAvoiddurability of holding belt

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the holding belt with sufficient tension and appropriate dimensional clearances before high-speed operation begins. The belt is installed and tensioned in advance to ensure that during high-speed movement, the rolling elements remain securely positioned in the pockets without causing excessive dynamic rubbing against the guide grooves, thus maintaining belt durability at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the endless circulation path with adequate clearance between the end portions of the holding belt and by pre-tensioning the belt to absorb dynamic loads. This preliminary cushioning configuration prevents the belt from experiencing severe tensile forces and rubbing during high-speed operation, thereby protecting the belt from premature wear while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration reduces the likelihood of uneven wear on the holding belt, enhancing its durability, especially when the moving block is operated at high speeds relative to the track rail.

Implementation Method 1

The rolling elements roll on the rolling surface of the track rail and the rolling surface of the moving block while rotating in the pockets of the holding belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10330150B2Rolling guide device

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 THK CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a rolling guide device which is capable of preventing uneven wear of a holding belt by alleviating a tensile force that acts on the holding belt when the holding belt circulates in an endless circulation path together with rolling elements. The endless circulation path has a guide groove configured to guide movement of the holding belt in the endless circulation path. A condition of tmax<δ is satisfied, where: tmax represents a maximum clearance between both end portions of the holding belt which are opposed to each other in the endless circulation path; δ is expressed byδ=2⁢∫0π2⁢(a⁢⁢sin⁢⁢θ)2+(c⁢⁢cos⁢⁢θ)2⁢d⁢⁢θ-2⁢∫0π2⁢(c⁢⁢sin⁢⁢θ)2+(b⁢⁢cos⁢⁢θ)2⁢d⁢⁢θ;2c represents an interval between the holding belt in a load path and the holding belt in a return path; A represents a depth to an arc top point of an outer peripheral surface of the guide groove in a direction change path; B represents a depth to an arc top point of an inner peripheral surface of the guide groove in the direction change path; “d” represents a thickness of the holding belt; and a=(A−d/2) and b=(B+d/2) are satisfied.