Threaded Spindle Linear Drive Layout for Compact Stroke Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to develop a compact linear drive unit that efficiently utilizes space while maintaining functionality.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a threaded spindle mother drive with a threaded spindle connected to the sled group and a spindle nut connected to the rotor of the drive engine, allowing the threaded spindle to penetrate the drive engine, thus optimizing the construction length for lifting and enabling a space-saving structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the threaded spindle is connected to the motor shaft via a coupling, then the motor shaft can be easily driven, but the overall length of the drive unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor shaft drivingVSAvoiddrive unit length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor shaft and threaded spindle are merged into a single integrated component. The motor shaft itself is designed with the threaded spindle geometry, eliminating the need for a separate coupling connection. This integration directly reduces the overall length of the drive unit while maintaining the driving function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the rotating component driven by the motor and the threaded spindle that converts rotational motion to linear motion. This multi-functionality eliminates intermediate components and reduces the drive unit's length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the threaded spindle does not penetrate the drive motor, then the motor structure remains simple, but the stroke length is limited by the motor's physical dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor structureVSAvoidstroke length
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded spindle is nested through the drive motor housing, extending beyond both ends of the motor. This allows the effective stroke length to exceed the motor's physical length, as the spindle utilizes the motor's internal space while extending outward to provide the full stroke range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded spindle extends in the axial dimension beyond the motor housing, effectively using the motor's length as part of the stroke length. This dimensional extension allows the stroke to be greater than the motor's physical dimensions without increasing the motor's complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the threaded spindle penetrates the drive motor, then the stroke length can equal the motor length, but the motor housing must be designed with openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke lengthVSAvoidmotor housing design
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing is segmented into sections that accommodate the threaded spindle's passage. Openings or recesses are strategically positioned in the housing to allow the spindle to penetrate through, enabling the stroke length to match the motor length while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for a compact design that effectively uses the drive engine's construction length as lifting length, even with large hubs, thereby achieving a space-saving and efficient linear drive unit.

Implementation Method 1

The threaded spindle nut drive (91) comprises a threaded spindle (92) which is connected to the slide assembly (120) and a spindle nut (93) which is connected to the rotor (64). The threaded spindle (92) penetrates the drive motor (62).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4553343A1Linear drive unit with threaded spindle nut drive
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 ZIMMER GUNTHER
  • EP4553343A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4553343A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4553343A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a linear drive unit comprising a guide housing assembly and a slide assembly mounted thereon for linear movement. At least one electric drive motor with a stator and a rotor, and a threaded spindle nut drive driven by the drive motor and driving the slide assembly, are arranged in a guide housing of the guide housing assembly. The threaded spindle nut drive has a threaded spindle connected to the slide assembly and a spindle nut connected to the rotor. The threaded spindle extends through the drive motor. The present invention provides a compact linear drive unit.