Rolling Guide Device Measurement Plate for Lubrication Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling guide devices face reduced product lifetime due to inadequate lubrication, leading to increased rolling resistance and degraded performance, as existing sensors cannot directly detect the lubrication state and circulation of rolling elements within the endless circulation path.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a measurement plate with sensor mounting portions between the moving member and covers, forming part of the endless circulation path, allows for direct detection of the rolling elements' operation condition and circulation state, enabling real-time monitoring and appropriate lubrication management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on the outer side of the moving member to detect lubricant presence, then the lubricant adherence can be checked, but the circulation state of rolling elements in the endless circulation path cannot be directly recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement plate serves as an intermediary component that is interposed between the main body member and the cover. It provides a mounting portion for sensors while forming part of the endless circulation path, enabling direct detection of rolling element circulation state without interfering with the functional components
2Reliability
If various sensors are incorporated to continuously detect operation condition and control lubricant supply, then the product lifetime and performance can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement plate performs multiple functions: it forms part of the endless circulation path for rolling elements, provides structural support, and serves as a mounting platform for sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring for improved reliability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If adequate lubrication is maintained to prevent flaking and extend product lifetime, then the rolling resistance increases when lubrication is insufficient, but continuous monitoring and control systems are required to maintain optimal lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors mounted on the measurement plate detect the circulation state of rolling elements and provide feedback information about the lubrication condition. This feedback enables continuous monitoring and allows for adaptive control of lubricant supply, ensuring optimal lubrication is maintained to prevent flaking and extend product lifetime while avoiding excessive lubricant application
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a rolling guide device which is capable of directly recognizing an operation condition of a moving member with respect to a track member or a circulation state of rolling elements in an endless circulation path, the rolling guide device including: a track member having a rolling surface; and a moving member, which is assembled to the track member through intermediation of a large number of rolling elements which roll on the rolling surface, and has an endless circulation path for the rolling elements, the moving member including: a main body member having a load rolling surface and a no-load return path for the rolling elements, the load rolling surface being opposed to the rolling surface of the track member to define a load path for the rolling elements, a pair of covers, which have direction change paths for allowing the rolling elements to move between the load path and the no-load return path, and is mounted to the main body member; and a measurement plate, which is interposed at least between the main body member and one cover to form part of the endless circulation path, and has a mounting portion for a sensor configured to detect an operation condition of the moving member with respect to the track member.