What is harmonic drive?

Harmonic Drive, mechanical speed-changing device, invented in the 1950s, that operates on a different principle from, and has capabilities beyond the scope of, conventional speed changers. It consists of a thin ring that deflects elastically as it rolls on the inside of a slightly larger rigid circular ring.

What is the point of a harmonic drive?

Harmonic Drive developed a unique gear tooth profile that optimizes the tooth engagement. This tooth profile (the “S tooth”) enables up to 30% of the total number of teeth to be engaged simultaneously. Additionally the large tooth root radius increases the tooth strength compared with an involute tooth.

Why are harmonic drives good?

One of the many advantages of a harmonic drive is the lack of backlash due to the unique design. However, the fact that they are lightweight and extremely compact is also important. High gear reduction ratios of up to 30 times that achieved with planetary gears are possible in the same space.

Can you Backdrive a harmonic drive?

Back Driving – Harmonic Drive® gears are reversible and can be back driven. If necessary, loads can be held in place by braking the Wave Generator when the servo system is not powered.

Who invented harmonic drive?

C. Walton Musser
The mechanism was the brainchild of the genius American inventor C. Walton Musser. Mr. Musser was a brilliant inventor who was awarded more than 200 patents, in a wide range of fields going even beyond his specialty in mechanical engineering to include also physics, chemistry, and biology.

What is a harmonic drive actuator?

Harmonic Drive® Servo Actuators are a combination of highly dynamic compact servo motors, precision gears and integral tilt resistant high load capacity output bearings. The central hollow shaft can be used for hosting the supply lines or drive shafts through the centre of the servo actuator.

How do harmonic drives work and what is the benefit of this system?

Harmonic Drive gears are noted for their ability to deliver precision motion control with very low or even zero backlash and vibration, providing high reduction ratios through concentric shafts in a lightweight yet robust assembly.

Can you run a speed reducer in reverse?

Generally yes, if you use the original output shaft as the new input shaft then you would be achieving the opposite (i.e. converting high-torque input to high-speed output).

What does Backdrivable mean?

A backdrive is a component used in reverse to obtain its input from its output. This extends to many concepts and systems from thought based to practical mechanical applications. Not every system can be backdriven.

What is a cycloidal reducer?

A cycloidal drive or cycloidal speed reducer is a mechanism for reducing the speed of an input shaft by a certain ratio. Cycloidal speed reducers are capable of relatively high ratios in compact sizes with very low backlash. These output shaft pins directly drive the output shaft as the cycloidal disc rotates.

How does a cycloidal gearbox work?

A cycloidal drive or cycloidal speed reducer is a mechanism for reducing the speed of an input shaft by a certain ratio. These output shaft pins directly drive the output shaft as the cycloidal disc rotates. The radial motion of the disc is not translated to the output shaft.