Split Flexspline Harmonic Gearset for Tooth Interference Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Harmonic gearsets with a single flexspline face limitations in tooth profile configuration due to interference issues during assembly, restricting design options and manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A compound harmonic gearset using two flexsplines with axially adjacent configurations, each with multiple sets of splines that engage different gears, allowing for reduced interference and simplified manufacturing and assembly processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single flexspline is used to engage center and ground gears, then the structure is simpler, but the tooth profile configuration is limited due to interference between gear and spline teeth during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidtooth profile configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single flexspline is divided into two separate flexsplines (first flexspline and second flexspline), each engaging with different gear combinations. This segmentation allows each flexspline to have optimized tooth profiles without interference, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and tooth profile configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a single flexspline is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but design options are restricted due to interference issues during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddesign options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the single flexspline into two separate flexsplines allows each to be manufactured with optimized tooth profiles independently, avoiding interference issues during assembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each flexspline can have locally optimized tooth profiles suited to its specific engagement requirements with different gears, allowing diverse design options without compromising manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If tooth profiles are configured to avoid interference, then assembly is feasible, but the configuration options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly feasibilityVSAvoidconfiguration options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the single flexspline into two separate flexsplines, each can be independently configured to engage with specific gears without interference, thereby maintaining assembly feasibility while significantly increasing configuration options for tooth profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12072009B2Harmonic gearset with split flexspline

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A harmonic gearset, having: a drive shaft; first and second ground gears spaced apart from each other along the drive shaft; an output gear disposed on the drive shaft, between the first and second ground gears; a first flexspline disposed radially between the drive shaft, the first ground gear and the output gear; and a second flexspline disposed radially between the drive shaft, the second ground gear and the output gear, wherein the first and second flexsplines are axially adjacent to each other.