Flex spline actuator
AssigneeGenesis Robotics LLP
InventorsJames Brent KLASSEN, Stephen Smith Chamberlain
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flex spline torque transfer device using force applied at multiple positions for each area of contact between the flex spline and outer ring. The positions of at which force is applied may be outside the areas of contact. This design may also be used in conjunction with a magnetic method of applying force to the flex spline, mechanical force acting as a constraint to prevent the flex spline from fully disengaging from the outer ring.
Claims19
A torque transmitting device comprising:
- an outer ring having lobes;
- and
- a flexible spline having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible spline having lobes on the outer surface of the flexible spline configured to mesh with the lobes on the outer ring;
- and
- a force applying element configured to hold the flexible spline in a shape conforming to the outer ring at two or more contact areas, the force applying element configured to exert force on the flexible spline in respect of each contact area at two or more apexes corresponding generally to the respective contact area.
A torque transmitting device comprising:
- an outer ring having lobes;
- and
- a flexible spline having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible spline having lobes on the outer surface of the flexible spline configured to mesh with the lobes on the outer ring;
- magnets arranged to hold the flexible spline in a shape conforming to the outer ring at two or more contact areas;
- and
- a constraining element configured to exert force on the flexible spline at the apexes in the event that the flexible spline partially disengages from the outer ring, to prevent the flexible spline from fully disengaging from the outer ring.
A torque transmitting device comprising:
- an outer ring having lobes;
- and
- a flexible spline having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible spline having lobes on the outer surface of the flexible spline configured to mesh with the lobes on the outer ring, the lobes of the flexible spline having a radially elongated lobe profile with a cross section that is greatest at an intermediate portion of the radial length of the lobes;
- and
- a force applying element which holds the flexible spline in a shape conforming in curvature to the outer ring at two or more contact areas.
A torque transmitting device comprising:
- an outer ring having lobes;
- and
- a flexible spline having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible spline having lobes on the outer surface of the flexible spline, each lobe of the flexible spline having multiple lobe tips configured to mesh with the lobes of the outer ring;
- and
- a force applying element which holds the flexible spline in a shape conforming in curvature to the outer ring at two or more contact areas.
A torque transmitting device comprising:
- an outer ring having lobes;
- and
- a flexible spline formed by injection molding and comprising a metallic ring, the flexible spline having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible spline having lobes configured to mesh with the lobes of the outer ring;
- and
- a force applying element which holds the flexible spline in a shape conforming in curvature to the outer ring at two or more contact areas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.