mrpi
Mechanical
- Jun 22, 2008
- 80
I'm mocking up a linear rail that is part of a "lift" system.
I would like to use the type of linear rail Pacific Bearing sells that is self lubricating and suitable for "harsh environments" as this system will be used outdoors.
The linear rail slider itself is "pulled and pushed" by a ball-screw actuator. The slider on the rail is attached to a linkage system that does the lifting.
The question I have is that the linear rail itself does not support any moment about is sliding axis, and I would not like to introduce any lateral forces to the linkage system. Hence, two parallel rails would solve this problem.
Are there accepted layouts for the rails and the number of sliders to minimize the chances of bending/binding of the sliders? I.E. two rails, three sliders? Two rails, four sliders? Two rails, two sliders?
How about mounting of the slider itself? Do I need to design in some degrees of freedom? Or will this depend on the tolerance of the rail/linear bearing?
I'm primarily concerned with robustness and ease of manufacture/setup and maintenance. I.E. the ability to field repair the unit without needing $10k worth of metrology tools.
Axial force seen by the ball screw will potentially be upwards of 10,000 lbf.
Beat to fit, paint to match.
I would like to use the type of linear rail Pacific Bearing sells that is self lubricating and suitable for "harsh environments" as this system will be used outdoors.
The linear rail slider itself is "pulled and pushed" by a ball-screw actuator. The slider on the rail is attached to a linkage system that does the lifting.
The question I have is that the linear rail itself does not support any moment about is sliding axis, and I would not like to introduce any lateral forces to the linkage system. Hence, two parallel rails would solve this problem.
Are there accepted layouts for the rails and the number of sliders to minimize the chances of bending/binding of the sliders? I.E. two rails, three sliders? Two rails, four sliders? Two rails, two sliders?
How about mounting of the slider itself? Do I need to design in some degrees of freedom? Or will this depend on the tolerance of the rail/linear bearing?
I'm primarily concerned with robustness and ease of manufacture/setup and maintenance. I.E. the ability to field repair the unit without needing $10k worth of metrology tools.
Axial force seen by the ball screw will potentially be upwards of 10,000 lbf.
Beat to fit, paint to match.