Slide-stop device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Linear motion slides often experience disassembly during installation due to the lack of a secure end stop, leading to rolling bodies spreading across the floor, as the carriage can run out of the track before the damper is installed.
Innovation Solution
A slide-stop device with elastic flexion elements and lateral engagement sections is designed for wedge engagement with the internal surfaces of a C-shaped track, providing temporary limiter functionality to prevent the carriage from exiting the track during installation, and can be easily installed and removed without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the track is mounted to a wall and the carriage is inserted into the track, then the linear motion slide can be assembled, but the carriage can run out of the track during installation before the end stop is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The slide stop device is installed at the open end of the track before the carriage is inserted, creating a preliminary barrier that prevents the carriage from running out during installation. This preliminary action ensures that the carriage remains secured within the track throughout the assembly process, eliminating the risk of disassembly before the permanent end stop is installed.
2Reliability
If an end stop or damper is installed at the end of the track to limit carriage movement, then the carriage is secured, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the end stop function into two distinct components: a temporary slide stop device for installation security and a permanent end stop or damper for operational security. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the slide stop being simple to install and remove, while the end stop provides long-term security without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide stop device is designed as a temporary, disposable component that is easy to install and remove without tools. It serves its purpose during installation and then can be easily removed, replacing the need for complex permanent fixtures during the assembly process. This approach uses a simple, low-cost temporary solution to solve the installation security problem.
3Ease of operation
If the carriage and rolling bodies are not self-retaining, then the linear motion slide can operate smoothly, but the components can rapidly disassemble and spread across the floor during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The slide stop device applies a preliminary counter-action by physically blocking the open end of the track, preventing the carriage from moving outward during installation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the tendency of non-self-retaining components to disassemble, allowing smooth operation during handling while preventing the harmful effect of components spreading across the floor.
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 slide-stop device effectively prevents carriage disassembly by increasing frictional force through elastic flexion elements, ensuring secure installation and easy removal, thereby maintaining the integrity of the linear motion slide.
Implementation Method 1
at least the strips of the flexion elements are made of elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The slide-stop device effectively prevents carriage disassembly by increasing frictional force through elastic flexion elements
Data Source
AI summary
A slide-stop device designed and adapted for wedge engagement with opposing internal sur-faces of a linear motion slide track having an essentially C-shaped cross-sectional profile. The slide-stop device includes two lateral engagement sections extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction on opposite sides of the slide-stop device and having engagement surfaces facing outwardly in opposite transverse directions of the slide-stop device, two flex-ion elements being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal direction of the slide-stop device. Each of the two flexion elements have one or more strips extending between and connecting the end regions of the lateral engagement sections, each strip being curved or bent to point outwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the slide-stop device. At least the strips of the flexion elements are made of elastic material.