Angled-Shaft Speed Reducer Layout for Compact Turntables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speed reducers are limited in downsizing and flattening, particularly when used with turntables, as they require larger dimensions due to the arrangement of gear mechanisms and motors, which protrude beyond the turntable's diameter, hindering the miniaturization of the system.
Innovation Solution
A gear mechanism with angled shafts and bevel gears is designed to reduce the area required for component placement, allowing the rotation centers of gears to form an angle with the main shaft, thereby minimizing the thickness and diameter of the speed reducer, enabling it to be housed within the turntable's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the gear mechanism and motor are arranged in series at radially outward positions, then the power transmission is effective, but the outer diameter becomes large causing the motor to protrude from the turntable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a radial series layout to a compact planar configuration where the gear mechanism and motor are positioned to overlap in the axial direction. The bevel gear mechanism is arranged such that the motor shaft and gear shafts form specific angular relationships, allowing the entire assembly to fit within a smaller outer diameter while maintaining effective power transmission through the angular gear interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the gear mechanism components are positioned within the radial envelope of the motor, and the motor is positioned such that its housing contains or overlaps with the gear mechanism in the axial direction. This nesting allows both components to occupy the same projected area when viewed from above, minimizing the outer diameter requirement.
2Length of stationary object
If the speed reducer is made thin and flat to fit within the turntable, then the axial dimension is reduced, but the gear mechanism arrangement becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric angular relationships between the shafts and gear components rather than symmetric arrangements. The bevel gears are configured with specific angle relationships that are not equal or orthogonal, allowing the mechanism to achieve compact axial dimensions while accommodating the necessary gear meshing geometry within the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the angular dimension creatively by configuring the bevel gear shafts at specific angles to each other and to the motor shaft. This angular arrangement allows the power transmission path to fold back on itself in the radial direction rather than extending axially, achieving a thin profile while maintaining functional complexity.
Data Source
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.