Preloaded Wedge Bearing for Machine Tool Movement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with floating bearings in the transverse direction often experience play and wear issues, leading to impaired support and movement accuracy, especially when driven by separate linear motors without mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement with preloaded wedge transmission elements ensures play-free mounting and readjustment, using loading elements supported on a base with inclined wedge faces to distribute loads and prevent loosening, allowing for self-locking and adaptive support even with wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a floating bearing is used in the transverse direction to allow swiveling movements, then adaptability is improved, but play and wear issues occur leading to impaired support
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement dynamically adjusts the position of the bearing projection relative to the receptacle wall through a wedge transmission mechanism. The loading element can move along the wedge face, allowing the bearing to transition between different support states while maintaining play-free mounting in the direction of travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge transmission mechanism changes the positional parameter of the bearing projection relative to the receptacle wall. By moving the loading element along the wedge face, the distance between the bearing projection and receptacle wall is adjusted, compensating for wear and maintaining optimal support conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If preloading is applied to ensure play-free mounting in the direction of travel, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the preloading function with the wedge transmission mechanism. The loading element serves dual purposes: it applies preload to the bearing projection through the wedge face while simultaneously enabling position adjustment. This integration reduces overall structural complexity compared to separate preloading and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines preloading, positioning, and adjustment functions. It acts as both a preload applicator and a positionable element in the wedge transmission, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If wear occurs on the bearing projection or receptacle wall, then reliability deteriorates, but the preloaded wedge transmission enables automatic readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement is designed to self-adjust through the wedge transmission mechanism. When wear occurs or position drift happens, the preloaded loading element automatically moves along the wedge face to restore optimal positioning, eliminating the need for external intervention or manual adjustment during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The preloading is applied in advance to create a force that continuously pushes the bearing projection against the receptacle wall. This preliminary action ensures that even when wear occurs, the bearing maintains play-free mounting by automatically compensating through the wedge mechanism before significant degradation affects performance.
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 provides durable, play-free support and adaptive readjustment capabilities, maintaining movement accuracy and preventing undesired loosening, enabling swiveling movements and maintaining support integrity despite wear and misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
the loading element is supported on the associated base in the manner of a wedge transmission. A wedge face inclined in the direction of travel is provided on the loading element and/or on the associated base
Implementation Method 2
The loading element is acted on by a preloading means. The wedge face(s) make(s) it possible to disperse major loads acting in the direction of travel despite the space-saving construction of the wedge transmission
Implementation Method 3
movement of the loading element in the opposite direction and thus undesired loosening of the play-free mutual support of the bearing projection and the receptacle wall of the bearing receptacle in the direction of travel is prevented in that the loading element is supported in a self-locking manner on the associated base against movement effected relative to the base along the wedge face(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A movement unit for a machine tool comprises a supporting structure movable in a first direction for supporting a functional unit of the machine tool, with two longitudinal guides extending in the first direction which are offset relative to one another in a transverse second direction. A guide unit is mounted on each longitudinal guide to be relatively movable in the first direction and not the second direction. A bearing structure connects the supporting structure to one of the guide units to be not relatively movable in the first direction and movable in the second direction. The bearing structure comprises a bearing receptacle having a receptacle wall extending in the second direction, and a bearing projection which engages the bearing receptacle. The bearing projection and the receptacle wall are supported against one another to prevent their relative motion in the first direction and are movable in the second direction.