Sliding Assembly Tolerance Ring Axial Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding assemblies face challenges in compensating for larger design tolerances and misalignment while achieving noise reduction and controlled sliding force, particularly in applications requiring linear and rotational translations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sliding assembly comprising an inner and outer component with a tolerance ring featuring an annular band and radially projecting projections, along with a low friction layer, which allows for axial sliding and rotational flexibility by transmitting radial loads to prevent projection collapse, and includes a bearing with a metal substrate and a low friction polymer layer for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tolerance ring with projections is used to compensate for design tolerances and misalignment, then the adaptability and tolerance compensation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring is segmented with multiple radially projecting projections that can independently deform to accommodate misalignment and tolerance variations. Each projection acts as an independent element that can adapt to local geometric deviations, allowing the ring to compensate for overall assembly tolerances through distributed deformation rather than requiring a completely flexible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance ring is designed with a thin-walled flexible structure that allows radial deformation of the projections while maintaining structural integrity. The ring material and geometry are optimized to provide controlled flexibility, enabling the projections to deform radially to accommodate misalignment between components while still providing adequate support and tolerance compensation.
2Ease of operation
If a low friction layer is added to enable sliding movement, then the sliding force control and noise compensation improve, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A low friction layer made of polymer material is applied to the tolerance ring or mating surfaces to reduce friction and enable smooth sliding movement. This composite material approach provides controlled sliding force while compensating for minor manufacturing tolerances through the material's inherent compliance and friction characteristics, rather than requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the sliding interface are modified by applying a low friction coating or selecting materials with appropriate friction coefficients. This parameter change allows for controlled sliding force and noise reduction while being tolerant of reasonable manufacturing variations in the underlying metal components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projections are made flexible to compensate for misalignment, then the adaptability improves, but the strength and load-bearing capacity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring utilizes a thin-walled flexible structure with radially projecting projections that can deform radially to accommodate misalignment. The wall thickness and material properties are optimized to provide sufficient flexibility for misalignment compensation while maintaining adequate strength to bear radial loads during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled deformation under load. The flexibility enables the projections to adapt to misalignment through elastic deformation, while the structural design ensures that the deformation remains within elastic limits and does not compromise the overall strength or lead to permanent deformation under normal operating conditions.
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 provides improved noise compensation and controlled sliding force, effectively managing design tolerances and misalignment, ensuring stable and efficient operation across various linear and rotational motions.
Implementation Method 1
a low friction layer provided radially inside or radially outside the annular band so as to enable sliding movement
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the inner component or outer component is profiled to transmit a radial load between the inner component and the outer component to appreciably prevent collapse of the projections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An assembly including an inner component; an outer component; a tolerance ring, comprising an annular band and a plurality of projections projecting radially from the annular band, the tolerance ring being disposed between the inner component and the outer component; and a low friction layer provided radially inside or radially outside the annular band so as to enable sliding movement in an axial direction between the inner component and the outer component, wherein at least one of the inner component or outer component is profiled to transmit a radial load between the inner component and the outer component to appreciably prevent collapse of the projections.