Parallel Worm Speed Reducer With Integrated Shaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed reducers have a complex structure, are prone to damage due to inadequate power transmission, and are not suitable for precise control in industrial applications due to uneven wear and high maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A speed reducer design featuring a pair of worm shafts with angled teeth, a driven shaft perpendicular to the worm shafts, ring gears, worm wheels, and an auxiliary harmonic gear for stable and precise power transmission, minimizing size and volume while preventing undesirable movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a pin coupling is used to connect the output shaft to the ring gear shaft, then the structure is simpler, but the power transmission becomes unstable and the connection is not firm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidpower transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ring gear shaft and output shaft into a single integrated component, eliminating the pin coupling connection. This integration ensures firm power transmission while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and stable power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If a key is used to fix the ring gear shaft to the ring gear, then the assembly is easier, but the connection cannot withstand rotational force well and is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidrotational force resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the ring gear shaft directly into the output shaft structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening components like keys. This merged structure provides both ease of assembly and strong rotational force resistance, as the integrated design eliminates weak connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the output shaft is not securely fixed, then the structure is simpler, but minute rotational force cannot be transferred accurately due to undesirable movement and uneven wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidrotational force transfer accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the output shaft with the ring gear shaft into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates undesirable movement and ensures accurate transfer of minute rotational forces. The integrated structure provides inherent stability without requiring additional fixing mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional speed reducer components are used, then the design is more standard, but the overall volume is large and maintenance costs are high due to frequent damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign standardizationVSAvoidoverall volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple conventional speed reducer components (ring gear shaft, output shaft, and fastening elements) into a single integrated output shaft structure. This merger significantly reduces the overall volume while eliminating frequent failure points, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables stable and precise power transmission with reduced volume and manufacturing costs, suitable for precise control in industrial applications like robot joints.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of worm shafts... worm wheels configured to mesh with the outer sides of the respective worm shafts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

a pair of ring gears mounted so as to face each other, with the worm shafts interposed therebetween, and fixed to the driven shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

an auxiliary speed reduction unit provided at the driven shaft, wherein large rotational force is transmitted to the rotary member, with a speed reduced, by the auxiliary speed reduction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHarmonic gear:

Data Source

PatentEP3358217B1Speed reducer
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 PNICO CO LTD
  • EP3358217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3358217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3358217B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention is characterized by comprising: a pair of worm shafts, which are arranged in parallel with each other so as to have gear directions that are opposite to each other, and which are configured to be rotated in the same direction by a driving means; a following shaft that crosses the middle of the pair of worm shafts in the perpendicular direction; a pair of ring gears fixedly installed on the following shaft so as to face each other from both sides of the worm shafts; a worm wheel, which engages with the outer side of each worm shaft, and which has shaft gears formed on both sides thereof, respectively, such that the shaft gears engage with the ring gears; and a rotating member connected to the following shaft such that a rotating force, which is in a speed-reduced sate, is output.