Transmission Outer Ring Connection Assembly for Thermal Expansion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot joint units face challenges in achieving simple, quick, and inexpensive assembly of outer gear rings, while also requiring effective force distribution and compensation for material expansions, and preventing mechanical overloading.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring an annular space with an elastically deformable connecting element and circumferential guides, which forms a non-positive connection between the transmission outer ring and the drive-side structure, distributing forces evenly and accommodating thermal expansions, and includes a beveled insertion section for easy assembly and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a non-positive connection with elastically deformable bulges is used, then force distribution is improved and thermal expansion compensation is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element utilizes elastic deformation of bulges as a parameter change mechanism. The bulges are designed to deform elastically during assembly and operation, allowing the connection to accommodate thermal expansions and distribute forces evenly across the gear outer ring while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable bulges act as a pre-designed cushioning mechanism. They are configured to deform before the gear outer ring experiences excessive forces or thermal expansion issues, thereby protecting the connection and distributing loads evenly without requiring complex active control systems.
2Strength
If a non-positive connection with slipping mechanism is used, then mechanical overloading is prevented, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slipping mechanism, which could be seen as a potential failure mode, is converted into a beneficial protective feature. The connecting element is designed to slip at a predetermined torque threshold, preventing mechanical overloading of the gear transmission. This controlled slippage protects the more critical transmission components from damage while the connection itself can be replaced if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The slipping mechanism serves as a safety cushion that activates before catastrophic failure can occur. The connecting element is pre-configured with a slip torque that is lower than the damage threshold for the gear transmission, providing beforehand protection against overloading while maintaining reliable operation within normal torque ranges.
3Device complexity
If traditional connection methods are used, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but weight increases and scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed as a thin, flexible component with elastically deformable bulges. This flexible design replaces heavier traditional rigid connection methods such as screws or welds, significantly reducing the weight of the robot arm while maintaining adequate connection strength and enabling easier assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed as a simpler, potentially replaceable component rather than a permanent structural connection. This approach allows for lighter construction where the connecting element can be replaced if worn or damaged, rather than requiring heavy-duty permanent connections, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables lightweight, compact, and dynamically sensitive robot arms with improved scalability and reduced susceptibility to errors and wear, as it allows for a more efficient and reliable connection of gears without mechanical overloading.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element has elastically deformable bulges that are spaced apart over the circumferential extension and, with elastic deformation of the bulges, forms a non-positive connection between the outer ring of the transmission and the structure on the drive side
Implementation Method 2
The connecting element also largely compensates for the different heat-related material expansions of the transmission outer ring and the drive-side structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection assembly between a drive-side structure (14) and a transmission outer ring (12) sealing a transmission arranged radially inside, wherein an annular chamber (16) comprising a connection element (18) arranged therein is configured between the transmission outer ring (12) and the drive-side structure (14), and a peripheral guide (17) is axially configured at least on one side of the annular chamber (16) between the transmission outer ring (12) and the drive-side structure (14), wherein the connection element (18) comprises bulges (26) which are spaced over the peripheral extension and are elastically deformable and forms a force-fit connection between the transmission outer ring (12) and the drive-side structure (14) when the bulges (26) elastically deform.