Threadless Linear Guide Recess-Projection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear ball guides face challenges in miniaturization due to difficulties in machining small screws for assembly, leading to increased costs and extended assembly times as the size of the slide block decreases.
Innovation Solution
A threadless linear guide design that eliminates the need for screws by using a recess-projection engagement arrangement between the slide block, recirculation assembly, and fixing member, along with reinforcement plates for enhanced strength and foreign object prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the linear ball guide is reduced for miniaturization, then the size of the slide block decreases, but the difficulty of machining small screws increases and assembly time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the screw components from the linear ball guide assembly. By removing the fastening function of screws, the design achieves miniaturization without the manufacturing difficulties associated with small screws. The retention slots and positioning sections provide alternative retention mechanisms that do not require traditional screw fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide block and recirculation assembly incorporate self-retaining features through the engagement between positioning sections and retention slots. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate fastening operations, allowing the components to secure themselves without external screw fasteners, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the linear ball guide is reduced for miniaturization, then the size of the slide block decreases, but the assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation assembly and slide block are designed with pre-formed positioning sections and retention slots that enable direct engagement. This preliminary design of the retention features allows for rapid assembly without the need for separate fastening steps, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the miniaturized size of the slide block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retention function with the structural design of the slide block and recirculation assembly. By integrating the positioning sections and retention slots into the component geometry itself, the design eliminates separate fastening operations, thereby reducing assembly time while achieving miniaturization.
3Device complexity
If screws are eliminated from the design, then assembly complexity is reduced, but alternative retention mechanisms must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into distinct positioning sections on one component and corresponding retention slots on the mating component. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A threadless linear guide includes a rail, a slide block, a recirculation assembly, and a fixing member. The slide block, the recirculation assembly, and the fixing member are positionable with respect to each other through retention engagements therebetween so that the components can be coupled to each other without screws. A reinforcement plate is provided for reinforcing the strength of the recirculation assembly for the recirculation assembly is generally formed of injecting molding, while the fixing member and the reinforcement plate are made of metal. Thus, with the fixing member and the reinforcement plate enclosing the recirculation assembly, any foreign object jamming in the interior would not cause the rolling bodies to eject out through the recirculation assembly during the operation of rolling bodies.