Segmented Rolling Element Retainer with Ribbon Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining structures for rolling elements in linear guides face issues such as inappropriate friction, instability during repeated circumrotation motions, and manufacturing challenges, including mold distortion and increased costs due to complex designs.
Innovation Solution
The improved retaining structure features separated pieces with lubricant retaining portions and a partially wrapped containing space for rolling elements, connected via multiple pairs of ribbons to enhance flexibility and strength, reducing friction and preventing escape, while simplifying mold design for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rolling elements are wrapped by a single spherical surface in surface contacting manner, then the structure is simple, but inappropriate friction and clipping occur during repeated circumrotation motions
Solution Approach 1:
The single spherical surface is segmented into multiple spherical surfaces (first spherical surface, second spherical surface, third spherical surface) that contact different portions of the rolling element. This segmentation allows each surface to contact the rolling element at optimal points, reducing inappropriate friction and clipping while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spherical surfaces are positioned to contact different local regions of the rolling element (e.g., equator, poles). This local quality approach ensures that each contact point provides appropriate support and reduces stress concentration, preventing clipping and improving rolling stability during circumrotation motions.
2Reliability
If rolling elements are matched with grooves in point contacting manner, then friction is reduced, but the rolling elements cannot be stably kept in central position causing escape
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure is segmented from a single groove into multiple spherical surfaces distributed around the rolling element. This segmentation provides both point contact benefits (low friction) and positional stability through multiple contact points that constrain the rolling element in the central position.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact arrangement transitions from a single-plane groove to a three-dimensional distribution of spherical surfaces around the rolling element. This dimensional change provides contact points in multiple directions, preventing escape while maintaining low friction through point contact geometry.
3Strength
If collective connection area is added to increase connection strength, then connection strength increases, but uniform flexibility is reduced producing inappropriate friction and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple connecting ribbons (first connecting ribbon, second connecting ribbon, third connecting ribbon) that connect the separated pieces to the pull-resisting ribbons. This segmentation distributes the connection load across multiple flexible elements, maintaining uniform flexibility while achieving sufficient overall connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Each connecting ribbon is positioned to connect specific separated pieces to specific pull-resisting ribbons, creating localized connection points. This local quality approach ensures that each connection point maintains appropriate flexibility for its specific location, preventing deformation during circumrotation while providing sufficient strength.
4Ease of operation
If longer flexible section with smaller collective connection area is used, then flexibility is improved, but connection strength becomes insufficient causing fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple connecting ribbons, each with optimized flexible sections. This segmentation allows each ribbon to have sufficient length for flexibility while the collective arrangement of multiple ribbons provides the required overall connection strength, preventing fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connecting ribbons are combined to work together as a unified connection system. Individually, each ribbon provides flexibility with appropriate length; collectively, they provide sufficient connection strength through distributed load bearing, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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 ensures stable and smooth rolling element operation by reducing friction and preventing escape, increasing the flexibility and strength of pull-resisting ribbons, and lowering manufacturing costs through simplified mold design and increased product yield.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible sections 31a of the two pull-resisting ribbons 3a perform certain elasticity deformation to reduce the friction so that the rolling elements 4a fluently pass the circumrotating areas
Data Source
AI summary
An improved retaining structure for a rolling element comprises a plurality of separated pieces, two pairs of connecting ribbons, two pull-resisting ribbons, and a plurality of rolling elements. The separated pieces respectively have a plurality of contacting surfaces on the front and rear surfaces thereof. A partially wrapped containing space for receiving the rolling elements is defined between each two contacting surfaces. The two pairs of connecting ribbons are installed in pairs on two sides of the separated pieces. The two pull-resisting ribbons are installed on the two sides of the separated pieces respectively and connect with the two pairs of connecting ribbons. Thereby, the rolling elements are kept in a central position between the separated pieces in a partial wrapping manner to prevent the rolling elements from being improper clipped or from escaping when performing circumrotation motions. Furthermore, the uniform flexibility of the pull-resisting ribbons is increased.