Spline Bearing Ball Layout to Limit Shaft Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear gauges with spline bearings experience accuracy degradation due to shaft inclination when an external force is applied, as the shaft tends to incline in the longitudinal direction, compromising measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with a spline bearing design featuring a higher density of bearing balls at the ends and a lower density at the center, which reduces the likelihood of shaft inclination by managing sliding resistance effectively, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bearing balls are uniformly distributed along the outer cylinder, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shaft inclines when external force is applied, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform bearing ball distribution with different densities in different regions. The first area (one end region) has a first density of bearing balls, while the second area (other end region) has a second density different from the first density. This localized variation in bearing ball density compensates for shaft inclination caused by external forces, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex overall restructuring.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bearing ball density is increased throughout the entire outer cylinder, then shaft inclination is reduced, but sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform bearing ball distribution with different densities in different regions. The first area (one end region) has a first density of bearing balls, while the second area (other end region) has a second density different from the first density. This localized variation in bearing ball density compensates for shaft inclination caused by external forces, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex overall restructuring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the density parameter of bearing balls in different regions. Specifically, the first density in the first area is made different from the second density in the second area. This parameter variation allows the bearing to adapt to external forces and reduce shaft inclination while controlling sliding resistance, as the non-uniform distribution optimizes the balance between stability and friction.
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 apparatus effectively prevents shaft inclination and reduces sliding resistance, ensuring smooth operation and improved measuring accuracy even under external forces, while maintaining equivalent sliding resistance to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of bearing balls 24 are provided between an inner surface of the outer cylinder 22 and an outer surface of the shaft body 23
Data Source
AI summary
The measurement apparatus includes an outer cylinder, a shaft body longitudinally movable on the inner surface side of the outer cylinder, a plurality of bearing balls disposed between an inner surface of the outer cylinder and an outer surface of the shaft body, and a measurement part that measures a relative position between the outer cylinder and the shaft body, and a first density of the bearing balls in a first area having a first length shorter than a total length of the outer cylinder in a longitudinal direction from one end of the outer cylinder is larger than a second density of the bearing balls in a second area having a second length shorter than the total length of the outer cylinder centered on a center position in the longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder.