Eccentric Oscillation Speed Reducer Torque Sensing Structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eccentric oscillation type speed reducers lack the capability to detect torque acting on their constituent members, which is essential for efficient operation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The proposed eccentric oscillation type speed reducer incorporates a strain sensor installed in a distortion generating portion of a fixed body, which includes a first ring portion, a second ring portion, and a distortion generating portion between them, allowing for torque detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a strain sensor is installed in the speed reducer to detect torque, then torque detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque detection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain sensor is integrated into the distortion generating portion of the fixed body, merging the detection function with the structural component. This combination allows torque detection without adding separate, independent detection systems, thereby improving measurement capability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distortion generating portion acts as an intermediary element that translates torque into measurable strain. By installing the strain sensor in this intermediary structure, the patent achieves torque detection through a mediating mechanism rather than direct measurement, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the fixed body is designed with separate ring portions and distortion generating portions, then torque detection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed body is segmented into distinct functional portions: first ring portions for structural support, a distortion generating portion for strain transmission, and second ring portions for mounting. This segmentation enables specialized design of each portion for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the fixed body are designed with locally optimized properties: the first ring portions have structural characteristics for load bearing, the distortion generating portion has specific geometric features for strain generation, and the second ring portions have mounting characteristics. This local quality differentiation enables torque detection while maintaining ease of manufacture through targeted design optimizations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enables accurate detection of torque acting on the speed reducer's constituent members, enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating maintenance by providing real-time torque data.

Implementation Method 1

a strain sensor is installed in the distortion generating portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4571143A1Eccentric oscillation type speed reducer
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4571143A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4571143A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4571143A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an eccentric oscillation type speed reducer capable of detecting torque that acts on a constituent member. An eccentric oscillation type speed reducer (10) includes an eccentric body (12), an external gear (16) capable of being oscillated by the eccentric body (12), an internal gear (18) that meshes with the external gear (16), and a carrier (20) capable of being synchronized with an axial rotation component of the external gear (16), in which one of the internal gear (18) and the carrier (20) configures at least a part of a fixed body (28) that is fixed to an external member (26), the fixed body (28) includes a first ring portion (40), a second ring portion (42) that is provided to be separated from the first ring portion (40) in a radial direction and is fixed to the external member (26), and a distortion generating portion (44) provided between the first ring portion (40) and the second ring portion (42), and a strain sensor (60) is installed in the distortion generating portion (44).