Compact, high torque ratio, high efficiency transmissions are required in many applications, such as robotics. However, compact size and high torque ratios often come at the expense of surprisingly low efficiency. Here we apply Del Castillo's sensitivity framework (Del Castillo, J. M., 2002, “The Analytical Expression of the Efficiency of Planetary Gear Trains,” Mech. Mach. Theory, 37(2), pp. 197–214) to explain the low efficiency of a subset of transmissions that exploit small differences in tooth number between gears to generate high torque ratios. We add adjustment factors for several transmissions within this category, such as cycloids and harmonic drives; demonstrate that the models match empirical results for the case of cycloids across a range of torque ratios, topologies, and roller conditions; and compare and optimize the topologies of the various mechanisms. We demonstrate that for this subset of transmissions, the efficiency approaches a function of the torque ratio.
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Rehabilitation/Mechanical Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Chicago, IL 60611
e-mail: Sensinger@ieee.org
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July 2013
Research-Article
Efficiency of High-Sensitivity Gear Trains, Such as Cycloid Drives
Jonathon W. Sensinger
Rehabilitation/Mechanical Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Chicago, IL 60611
e-mail: Sensinger@ieee.org
Jonathon W. Sensinger
Departments of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation/Mechanical Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Room 1309, 345 E, Superior Street
,Chicago, IL 60611
e-mail: Sensinger@ieee.org
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Jonathon W. Sensinger
Departments of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation/Mechanical Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Room 1309, 345 E, Superior Street
,Chicago, IL 60611
e-mail: Sensinger@ieee.org
Contributed by the Power Transmission and Gearing Committee of ASME for publication in the Journal of Mechanical Design. Manuscript received July 24, 2012; final manuscript received April 5, 2013; published online xx xx, xxxx. Assoc. Editor: Avinash Singh.
J. Mech. Des. Jul 2013, 135(7): 071006 (9 pages)
Published Online: May 24, 2013
Article history
Received:
July 24, 2012
Revision Received:
April 5, 2013
Citation
Sensinger, J. W. (May 24, 2013). "Efficiency of High-Sensitivity Gear Trains, Such as Cycloid Drives." ASME. J. Mech. Des. July 2013; 135(7): 071006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4024370
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