Telescopic Support Arm Stiffness via Ball Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support arms for machining machines, such as spindle moulders and circular sawing machines, face issues with stiffness and reduced smoothness in movement, especially when handling heavy panels, due to natural bending and dirt accumulation, which affects the maneuverability and precision of the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A support arm with a linear recirculating balls guide system, comprising a sliding element and a rod-shaped guide element, provides a rigid and self-cleaning mechanism that maintains smooth movement and precise parallelism, using a recirculating balls slide and an adjustable support to ensure consistent performance regardless of the weight supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a telescopic arm structure with idle wheels is used to support the auxiliary frame, then the frame can be positioned and moved parallel with the direction of panel feed, but the arm develops stiffness over time making it difficult to slide, especially when the second element is in the most extended position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional idle wheel mechanism with a linear recirculating balls guide system. This substitution transforms the mechanical sliding contact into a ball-bearing-based rolling contact, eliminating the stiffness that develops over time in the original idle wheel system while maintaining the telescopic functionality and load-bearing capacity of the arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the sliding mechanism from idle wheel rotation to linear recirculating ball motion. This parameter change fundamentally alters the friction characteristics and wear patterns, preventing the stiffness buildup that occurs in the traditional system while preserving the arm's ability to support heavy panels during machining operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sleeve has openings to allow movement of the second element, then the telescopic arm can adapt to the position of the frame, but dirt and fragments from machining can enter and compact, causing further stiffening of arm sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the idle wheel-based sliding mechanism with a linear recirculating balls guide system that is inherently resistant to dirt accumulation. The sealed nature of the ball recirculation system prevents machining debris from entering and compacting, while the precise ball-bearing geometry maintains smooth operation even in the presence of contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear recirculating balls guide system is self-cleaning in operation, as the continuous circulation of balls through the guide mechanism naturally prevents dirt accumulation. The system maintains its functionality without requiring external cleaning interventions, even when operating in environments with machining debris.
3Strength
If a telescopic arm structure is used to support heavy panels, then the frame can be maneuvered during machining, but the natural bending of the extended second element limits arm sliding smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the idle wheel sliding mechanism with a linear recirculating balls guide system that can support heavy loads while maintaining smooth operation. The ball-bearing-based system distributes the weight of heavy panels more effectively, preventing the natural bending and stiffness issues that plague the traditional telescopic arm structure under heavy loads.
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 solution ensures smooth and precise movement of the support arm, preventing stiffness and maintaining high maneuverability even with heavy loads, while the self-cleaning feature prevents dirt accumulation, enhancing the overall machining process efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding element and the rod-shaped guide element form a linear recirculating balls guide which reduces friction and enables smooth movement
Implementation Method 2
The sliding element and the rod-shaped guide element form a linear recirculating balls guide which is rigid and self-cleaning
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A support arm for machines for machining panels made of wood or the like is applied to machines (2) comprising: a base (3) supporting a table (4) on which the panels (1) rest; a motor-driven machining tool (5), partly protruding from the table (4); an auxiliary frame (6) for supporting part of the panel (1), projecting from the table (4) and mobile parallel with a direction (A) of panel (1) feed; the frame (6) support arm (7) consists of a first, tubular element or sleeve (8) pivoting at the base (3), and a second, extension element (9) for the arm (7), slidably housed in the sleeve (8) and constrained, at one end, to the projecting portion of the frame (6) by a vertical rod (10); inserted between the sleeve (8) and the second, extension element (9) there being means (11) for guiding the sliding movement, in both directions, of the second, extension element (9) relative to the sleeve (8) and comprising a first, sliding element (12) or recirculating ball screw guide constrained in the sleeve (8) and connected to a second, rod-shaped guide element (13) integral with the second, extension element (9) to form, together with the first sliding element (12), a prismatic connection.