Precision Speed Reducer for Robotics and Manufacturing

Zero backlash rotary drive unit includes motor, several stages of proprietary gearless speed reducer. Each reducer stage has a drive cam track cut into an input drive disk and a driven cam track cut into a output driven disk. The rotating drive track rotates the driven track via balls traveling in slots of a grounded reaction disk. All balls work simultaneouly at constant velocity and torque throughput: micro torque ripple, increased bandwidth, high stiffness. The rolling balls minimize heat generation, while the flat disks maximize heat dissipation. Axial preloading accomodates thermal, environmental, wear effects, extends lifetime, and cooperate with flat disks for zero backlash and high precision. High volumetric and operational efficiency. Expanded envelope. Robust with low compliance. Cams formed in face of flat disks for lower cost manufacturing. Fabricate in metals, ceramics. No maintenance ceramic disks. Many commercial applications: substitute for conventional gear of planetary assemblies or harmonic drives. Anticipated Benefits: High precision, high efficiency, rotary drive units for speef reduction and control in commercial, industrial, manufacturing and processing equipment.