Harmonic Speed Reducer Test Rig for Multi-Metric Performance Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for evaluating harmonic speed reducers can only test one or two performance metrics, requiring separate tests for each evaluation item, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A unified apparatus with a support frame, input and output units, and a control unit that integrates a driving motor, torque sensors, and encoders to measure and calculate angular transmission error, hysteresis, hysteresis loss, repetition precision, ratcheting torque, no-load starting torque, output starting torque, no-load running torque, and efficiency of a harmonic speed reducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate test apparatuses are used for each evaluation item, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate test apparatuses into a single integrated evaluation device that can measure multiple performance parameters (torque, stiffness, efficiency, angular transmission error, hysteresis, etc.) simultaneously. The device includes a support frame with mounting plates for the speed reducer, input and output units with motors and sensors, and a control unit that coordinates all measurements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple types of performance tests on speed reducers. It includes interchangeable components such as motors, torque sensors, encoders, and brakes that can be configured to measure different parameters including angular transmission error, hysteresis, ratcheting torque, and efficiency, making one device capable of replacing multiple specialized test apparatuses.
2Measurement precision
If separate test apparatuses are used for each evaluation item, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated evaluation device enables continuous testing by performing multiple measurements sequentially without removing or reconfiguring the speed reducer assembly. The control unit coordinates input and output units to conduct torque, stiffness, efficiency, and other parameter measurements in a continuous workflow, eliminating the time loss associated with transferring the speed reducer between separate test apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple test functions into one device, the patent eliminates the time required to move the speed reducer between separate apparatuses and the time to reconfigure mounting and measurement systems. The integrated design allows all performance parameters to be measured in a single continuous testing session.
3Device complexity
If one evaluation apparatus is used for all performance metrics, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated evaluation device is segmented into distinct functional modules: input unit with driving motor and torque sensor, output unit with encoder and torque sensor, support frame with mounting plates, and control unit. Each module is designed to perform specific measurements with high precision while working together as a coordinated system, allowing accurate measurement of multiple parameters without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the input and output units, manages the torque sensors and encoders, and processes measurement data to ensure high precision results. It controls the timing and synchronization of measurements, compensates for system variations, and calculates performance parameters accurately, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the integrated design.
4Productivity
If multiple performance metrics are tested simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple types of performance tests on speed reducers. It includes interchangeable components such as motors, torque sensors, encoders, and brakes that can be configured to measure different parameters including angular transmission error, hysteresis, ratcheting torque, and efficiency, making one device capable of replacing multiple specialized test apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple separate test apparatuses into a single integrated evaluation device that can measure multiple performance parameters (torque, stiffness, efficiency, angular transmission error, hysteresis, etc.) simultaneously. The device includes a support frame with mounting plates for the speed reducer, input and output units with motors and sensors, and a control unit that coordinates all measurements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for evaluating performance of a speed reducer, of the present disclosure, includes: a support frame; a base plate mounted on the support frame; a speed reducer to be evaluated, mounted on the base plate; an input unit, which is mounted on an input-side rotary shaft connected to the speed reducer and includes a driving motor, a torque sensor and an encoder; an output unit, which is mounted on an output-side rotary shaft connected to the speed reducer and includes an encoder and a torque sensor; an output terminal motor selectively connected to the output-side rotary shaft; and a rated torque brake selectively connected to the output-side rotary shaft.