Spindle-Guided Linear Actuator for Long Stroke and Low Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear systems in manufacturing plants face limitations such as restricted stroke, high wear due to perpendicular forces, and susceptibility to particulate contamination, which affect durability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A linear system comprising a spindle, spindle nut, and linear guide with a torque-proof drive device, a ledge element, and spring elements that engage with a spindle groove to provide a secure, low-wear, and contamination-resistant axial movement, allowing for a larger stroke and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional linear actuator is used with limited stroke, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited due to restricted stroke length
Solution Approach 1:
The linear system is divided into functionally independent modules: the linear guide (with guide housing and ledge element) handles guidance and support, while the drive device (with spindle and spindle nut) handles actuation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling longer stroke lengths without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Force
If the linear actuator is permanently loaded with perpendicular force, then the force handling capability is improved, but high wear occurs on the stroke rod and bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is extracted from the actuator components (stroke rod and bearing) and assigned to the separate linear guide module. This extraction removes the perpendicular force loading from the actuator's moving parts, eliminating the wear problem while maintaining the ability to handle perpendicular forces through the dedicated guide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guide acts as an intermediary component between the actuator and the driven load. It mediates the perpendicular forces by providing a dedicated guidance path through the ledge element and spindle groove interface, protecting the actuator components from direct exposure to these forces and their associated wear.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spindle is subject to particulate contamination, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to contamination susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the ledge element and spindle groove creates a enclosed guidance interface that acts as a protective barrier against particulate contamination. This interface maintains precise guidance while being less susceptible to contamination compared to exposed bearing surfaces, as the tight fit prevents particles from entering and interfering with the guidance function.
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 system ensures reduced wear, increased durability, and improved reliability by providing a secure, low-wear, and contamination-resistant axial movement with enhanced tolerance compensation and support for perpendicular forces, making it suitable for applications with large strokes and varying manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements that engage with a spindle groove to provide a secure, low-wear, and contamination-resistant axial movement
Implementation Method 2
The first ledge element engages with the carrier in the first receptacle of the guide housing and with the ledge in the first spindle groove and is embodied to guide the spindle in a direction parallel to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a linear guide, drive device, spindle nut and spindle extending along an axis. The spindle nut is arranged on the spindle, with the spindle nut and spindle engaged. The drive device connects to the spindle nut in a torque-proof manner to rotate the spindle nut about the axis, moving the spindle parallel to the axis. The spindle has a spindle groove extending parallel to the axis on an outer circumferential side. The linear guide includes a guide housing arranged in a torque-proof manner, and a ledge element. The guide housing has a radially outwardly extending receptacle. The ledge element includes a radially outwardly disposed carrier and a ledge radially inwardly of the carrier, connected to the carrier and extending parallel to the axis. The ledge element engages the carrier in the receptacle and the ledge in the spindle groove, guiding the spindle parallel to the axis.