Angled Gear Speed Reducer Layout for Compact Turntables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speed reducers are limited in downsizing due to their size, which restricts the miniaturization of turntables and similar applications, as they require a larger footprint to accommodate both the motor and the speed reducer, making it difficult to integrate them within a smaller diameter turntable.
Innovation Solution
A gear mechanism with a first and second shaft disposed at an angle, featuring a first gear group and a second gear group with specific gear configurations that allow for a reduced footprint by offsetting the rotation centers, enabling a more compact design by forming an angle between the first shaft and the line connecting the rotation centers of the first and last second gears, and utilizing bevel gears for efficient transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gear train and motor shaft are arranged in series at radially outward positions, then the transmission path is simple, but the axial dimension and footprint area increase, making it difficult to downsize the turntable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a radial series configuration to a configuration where the second gear group forms an angle with the first shaft when viewed along the second shaft axis. This dimensional repositioning allows the gear mechanism to utilize angular space more efficiently, reducing the radial footprint while maintaining the series transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent offsets the rotation center of the last second gear from the extension of the first shaft, creating a nested-like arrangement where the second gear group is positioned within the angular space defined by the first shaft and output direction. This nesting approach compactly packs the transmission components, reducing the overall footprint area.
2Power
If the speed reducer and motor are made larger to maintain predetermined power, then the power transmission capability is ensured, but the outer diameter exceeds the turntable coverage, preventing downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the second gear group to form an angle with the first shaft rather than arranging them in a straight radial line, the patent redistributes the component volume in angular space. This allows the same power transmission capability to be achieved within a smaller radial envelope, enabling the speed reducer and motor to fit within the turntable's outer diameter while maintaining predetermined power.
3Length of stationary object
If the gear mechanism is arranged to minimize axial dimension for flattening, then the reducer can be made thin and flat, but the footprint area increases, limiting downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves both flattening and downsizing by positioning the second gear group such that it forms an angle with the first shaft when viewed along the second shaft axis. This angular arrangement allows the gear mechanism to maintain a compact axial dimension for flattening while simultaneously reducing the radial footprint area through efficient angular space utilization, resolving the trade-off between these two parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gear mechanism according to the invention includes a first shaft, a second shaft disposed at an angle with the first shaft, a first gear group including a plurality of first gears that transmit rotation of the first shaft to the second shaft; and a second gear group including a plurality of second gears that transmit, to an output side, rotation of the second shaft transmitted from the first shaft. A first second gear is situated closest to the second shaft among the plurality of second gears, a last second gear is situated closest to the output side among the plurality of second gears. A straight line that connects a rotation center of the first second gear and a rotation center of the last second gear form an angle with the first shaft when viewed in a direction along the second shaft.