The latest range of linear motion (LM) guides from market leader THK have been specially developed to help aircraft systems manufacturers reduce the weight, size and complexity of mechanisms used for moving passenger seats, footrests, food trays and galley lifts.  The latest THK LM guides are compact and lightweight, and offer far greater levels of performance, functionality and reliability than the traditional slide packs that have been used to date in many on-board applications; as a result, construction and maintenance costs can be reduced, while passenger comfort and operating efficiencies are improved.

Although the traditional slide packs that are used, for example, in the runners on aircraft seats, are relatively simple and low cost, they often require ancillary mechanisms before they can be installed.  In addition, they can be noisy, inaccurate and prone either to complete failure or to partial dismounting of the slide rails, causing seats or other sliding mechanisms become misaligned.

By comparison, THK’s latest SRS and RSR guides offer systems designers and manufacturers a choice of fully integrated units that are simple and quick to install and extremely effective in use.  For example, the SRS LM guide has a compact body and dual raceway construction, and has been designed specifically for use in applications with high loads, where the direction of the applied load can vary, or where space is limited.

Similarly, THK’s miniature RSR guides are among the smallest in the world, and use a block running on precision ground stainless steel balls set into virtually frictionless raceways.  The balls circulate within the body of the LM block itself, enabling a wide range of stroke lengths to be easily accommodated.  The RSR range offers excellent mounting surface accuracy and is extremely lightweight with high load ratings, even in the smallest models.     

The SRS guides incorporate THK’s proven Caged Ball™ technology, which significantly extends the operating life of products while at the same time virtually eliminating friction, heat and noise.  As a result, moving parts on passenger seats, footrests, tray tables or galley lifts can be positioned smoothly, accurately and with minimum physical effort or power requirements.  In addition, all THK linear motion guides are virtually maintenance-free, allowing operating costs to be driven down even further without adversely affecting system performance or reliability. 

THK linear motion guides are backed by full technical support through a global network of sales offices and distributors.