SELECTIVE PRE-LOAD GENERATION: FINDING MANUFACTURING-INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR LINEAR GUIDES

Pre-load is important for a linear guide’s precision but can adversely affect its longevity. The idea of selectively adjusting pre-load for specified track sections of a linear guide is starting point for an innovative product design. Key challenge of realising linear guides with a selective pre-load generation is to integrate this additional function with low manufacturing effort. A continuous flow production with linear flow splitting has a high potential for realising a function integrated product design at low costs. Based on linear flow split linear guides, these potentials are extended towards manufacturing-integrated solutions (MIS) for linear guides with integrated selective pre-load generation. The design pattern matrix (DPM) aids the designer in systematically developing MIS based on generally applicable function carriers. Several MIS for linear flow split linear guides with a selective pre-load generation have been developed and two prototypes produced. The solutions are characterised by a comprehensive utilisation of the continuous flow production's design possibilities, resulting in products with high functionality and low manufacturing and assembly effort.