Wave Generator Nested Bearing for Compact Strain Wave Gearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain wave gearings require increased axial length to accommodate support bearings, making them less convenient for flattening and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator is arranged coaxially inside a flexible externally toothed gear, which is flexed into a non-circular configuration to mesh with a rigid internally toothed gear, incorporating a bearing arrangement part that accommodates the support bearing within the wave generator's width dimension, reducing the axial length of the strain wave gearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support bearing is arranged axially adjacent to the wave generator, then the support bearing can be installed, but the axial length of the strain wave gearing is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The support bearing is nested within the wave generator structure by forming a bearing arrangement part in the plug. The bearing holder is integrated into the plug body, and the support bearing is arranged within the bearing arrangement part, effectively nesting the support bearing inside the wave generator's axial space. This resolves the contradiction by allowing support bearing installation without increasing the overall axial length of the strain wave gearing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging the support bearing in the axial direction (one dimension), the invention utilizes the radial dimension by forming a bearing arrangement part in the plug that extends radially. The support bearing is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, effectively using another dimension to accommodate the support bearing without increasing axial length.
2Reliability
If the axial length is increased to accommodate support bearing, then the support bearing can be installed, but the convenience of flattening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support bearing is nested within the wave generator structure, eliminating the need for additional axial space. This maintains the compact flat design while ensuring proper support bearing installation, thereby preserving flattening convenience.
3Reliability
If the axial length is increased to accommodate support bearing, then the support bearing can be installed, but the compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support bearing is arranged in the radial dimension rather than the axial dimension. The bearing arrangement part is formed in the plug with the support bearing arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, effectively using another dimension to accommodate the support bearing without increasing axial volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bearing is nested within the existing axial volume of the wave generator by utilizing the bearing arrangement part formed in the plug. This maintains the overall compact volume while ensuring proper support bearing installation.
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 allows for a flat strain wave gearing with reduced axial length, eliminating the need for additional space to install the support bearing, thereby enhancing compactness and convenience in device assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a wave generator bearing (30) installed on a non-circular outer peripheral surface (20a) of the plug (20)
Implementation Method 2
a flexible externally toothed gear (4), which is flexed into a non-circular configuration to mesh partially with a rigid internally toothed gear (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A wave generator of a strain wave gearing has a plug, a wave generator bearing mounted to an outer peripheral surface of the plug, an input shaft protruding from the center of the plug to a first side running along a center axis, and a bearing arrangement on which a support bearing supporting the input shaft is arranged. Relative to an outer ring end surface of the wave generator bearing that faces the first side, a center-side plug end surface of a plug end surface facing the same direction is in a position withdrawn from the first side toward the opposite direction. The bearing arrangement is provided between the center-side plug end surface and the outer ring end surface encircling the input shaft. The input shaft can be fitted within the width dimension of the wave generator, and a strain wave gearing having a short axial length can be achieved.