Redesigning the cycloidal drive for innovative applications in machines for smart construction yards

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to carry out an investigation of design approaches that should be used for the design of unconventional, innovative transmission system for construction yards to privilege a smooth behaviour efficiency, and the use of innovative production techniques. Results are quite surprising, as with a proper method it is possible to demonstrate that a cycloidal drive with Wolfrom topology should be an interesting solution for the proposed application. Design/methodology/approach With a functional approach, also considering materials and specifications related to the investigated application, it is possible to demonstrate that possible optimal solutions should be quite different respect to the ones that can be suggested with a conventional approach. In particular for proposed applications constraints related to encumbrances, the choice of new material has led to the innovative unconventional choice of a Wolfrom cycloidal speed reducer. Findings Provided solution is innovative respect current state of the art for machine currently used in construction yards: in terms of adopted transmission layout; in terms of chosen materials, resulting in an innovative solution. Research limitations/implications Current research has strong implications on the adoption of polimeric materials for the construction of reliable transmission for harsh industrial environment as the proposed case study (concrete mixer for construction yard). Originality/value Proposed transmission system is absolutely original and innovative respect current state of art also considering proposed materials and consequently production methods. This is an example of transmission designed to be built with polymeric materials by optimizing chosen topology respect to chosen material.

Impact of Cycloid’s and Roller’s Dimensional Errors on the Performance of a Cycloidal Drive for Power Transmission

“…More specifically, this component is rigidly connected to the output shaft, and, thus, it rotates around its axis. The kinematic behavior and the preliminary investigation of the performance of this configuration are described in detail in [4][5][6]; for the sake of brevity, here we recap just the main features. The Wolfrom allows for radically lower encumbrances and a lower number of components than those of a classical two-stage configuration, as there is no need for pin-hole transmissions between the first and second stages or between the second stage and the output shaft.…”

“…In a recent project, we designed a cycloidal drive dedicated to machines for construction yards [4][5][6]. The proposed solution is a Wolfrom-based configuration that suggests the adoption of cycloidal stages with a low number of big teeth [7].…”

The Profiling of Hob Mill Used for Generating a Cycloidal Reducer’s Disk

“…In this paper, the advantages of the two alternatives are combined, an algorithm for the generation of surfaces known in analytical form being imagined and presented. The algorithm implies the determination of the active surface of the generating rack gear, which is reciprocally enwrapping to the active surface of the cycloidal disk [19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Magnification of energy transmission ratio using miniature cycloidal gear box for humanoids

“…Benedetto Allotta et al [10] redesigned the cycloidal drive for novel applications in machines. Li, X. et al [11] and Wan-Sung Lin et al [12], presented design of a two-stage cycloidal gear reducer with tooth modifications. Li Yawei and Wu Yuanzhe [13] developed RV reducer i.e.…”