Robot Rotation Mechanism With Low-Friction Output Shaft Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotation mechanisms face challenges with inefficient assembly and disassembly, low PV limits, and potential seizure issues due to the press-fitting of output shafts, leading to unstable operation and reduced product life.

Innovation Solution

The rotation mechanism features a design with surface roughness Ra of 1.6 µm or less and a static friction coefficient of 0.2 or less on inner peripheral surfaces, using resin carriers and metal output shafts, along with elastic shims and spacers to enhance assembly efficiency and stability, allowing smooth rotation without separate bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the output shaft is press-fitted into the support member, then the assembly structure is simplified, but the assembly work and disassembly work increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly structureVSAvoidassembly work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into a rotating member and a non-rotating member, allowing the output shaft to be freely inserted into the rotating member without press-fitting. This segmentation enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through the rotational connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the output shaft is press-fitted into the support member, then the structural integrity is improved, but the PV limits decrease and seizure may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the output shaft and rotating member is made dynamic through free rotation capability. The output shaft can rotate freely within the rotating member, allowing relative motion that prevents seizure and reduces frictional heating, thereby maintaining reliability under operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The surface roughness of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member is controlled at 1.6 µm or less, and the static friction coefficient is reduced to 0.2 or less. These parameter changes minimize friction and sliding resistance, preventing seizure while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the output shaft is press-fitted into the support member, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the sliding resistance increases and product life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidproduct life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The surface roughness is precisely controlled at 1.6 µm or less and the static friction coefficient is reduced to 0.2 or less through surface treatment. These parameter changes reduce sliding resistance between the output shaft and rotating member, minimizing wear and extending product life while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design improves assembly and disassembly efficiency, increases PV limits, and ensures stable operation, extending the product life by reducing sliding resistance and facilitating heat transfer through high thermal conductivity materials.

Implementation Method 1

the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member against the shaft is 0.2 or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

facilitating heat transfer through high thermal conductivity materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4186648B1Rotation mechanism and robot
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NABTESCO CORP
  • EP4186648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A speed reducing mechanism (1B) according to one embodiment of the invention includes an output shaft (9), carriers (13, 14) each of which has an output shaft hole (13b, 14b), and oscillating gears (11, 12) each of which has an output shaft insertion hole (25a, 25b). The output shaft (9) is inserted in the output shaft hole (13b, 14b) and the output shaft insertion hole (25a, 25b) and contacts the inner peripheral surfaces. The surface roughness Ra of the inner peripheral surfaces defining the output shaft hole (13b, 14b) and output shaft insertion hole (25a, 25b) is equal to or less than 1.6 µm. The static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surfaces against the output shaft (9) is equal to or less than 0.2.