Harmonic or strain wave gearing with worm gearing primary

Abstract

A harmonic or strain wave gearing set coupled to a worm drive. By providing that a harmonic or strain wave gearing set is coupled to a worm drive, the benefit of being able to provide an input at an angle (such as a ninety-degree angle) to the output is realized along with the benefit of providing a harmonic or strain wave gearing set. Preferably, the worm drive is used as the primary, as the use of the worm drive as the primary uniquely changes the dynamics of the system, when compared to the opposite (i.e., using the harmonic or strain wave gearing as the primary). Harmonic or strain wave gearing provides a more flexible solution than a worm gear. In a system where the zero backlash is required, a split worm can be used as the input, and the harmonic or strain wave gearing would be the output member. Furthermore, a low ratio, efficient, worm gear can drive a high ratio harmonic or strain wave gearing set, thus providing a high ratio, highly efficient solution.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.