Side Seal for Linear Guide with Asymmetric Lip Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side seals for linear guide apparatuses have limitations in enhancing both sealing performance and dust-proof performance while minimizing sealing frictional force.
Innovation Solution
A side seal design featuring two seal members with lips directed in opposite directions, made of different materials, and having varying thicknesses and contact shapes to reduce frictional force, improving sealing and dust-proof performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single seal member with lip is used to seal the space between slider and guide rail, then sealing performance is achieved, but dust-proof performance and sealing frictional force cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into two distinct seal members (first seal member and second seal member) with different material properties and lip configurations. The first seal member has a lip for sealing the top face, while the second seal member has a lip for sealing the side faces. This segmentation allows each seal member to be optimized for its specific function, improving both sealing performance and dust-proof performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal structure are assigned different material properties and geometries. The first seal member uses material with specific Young's modulus optimized for top face sealing, while the second seal member uses material optimized for side face sealing. The lips are configured with different contact shapes (plane contact vs. line contact) matched to their respective sealing surfaces, achieving local optimization for both sealing and dust-proof functions.
2Reliability
If seal members with lips directed in same direction are used, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but sealing performance and dust-proof performance cannot be simultaneously improved
Solution Approach 1:
The two seal members are configured asymmetrically with lips directed in opposite directions. The first seal member's lip is directed toward the guide rail top face with plane contact configuration, while the second seal member's lip is directed toward the side faces with line contact configuration. This asymmetric arrangement allows each seal member to perform its specific sealing function optimally without requiring complex additional structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If seal members made of same material are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but sealing frictional force cannot be minimized while maintaining both sealing and dust-proof performance
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters (Young's modulus) of the two seal members are changed to different values to optimize their respective functions. The first seal member uses material with Young's modulus of 50 to 300 N/mm² for top face sealing, while the second seal member uses material with Young's modulus of 3 to 50 N/mm² for side face sealing. This parameter differentiation reduces sealing frictional force while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard elastomeric materials.
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 side seal effectively enhances sealing and dust-proof performance while reducing sealing frictional force by utilizing materials with different Young's moduli and contact configurations.
Implementation Method 1
two seal members (1A, 1B) made of different materials and having different Young's moduli
Data Source
AI summary
A side seal for a linear guide apparatus including a guide rail, a slider, and a plurality of rolling elements includes seal members formed of different materials, a holder plate and covers. Both seal members have recesses formed in a first face of a base and fitted with a protrusion of the holder plate. Both seal members have respective lips directed in opposite directions separated from each other. A tip of the lip of the first seal member is formed to have a shape in plane contact with the face of the guide rail. A tip of the lip of the second seal member is formed to have a shape in line contact with the face of the guide rail.