Harmonic Drive

cults3d

This is a 3D printable version of a harmonic drive. Harmonic drives are mechanical gear systems that boast some very attractive properties, such as no backlash, high gear ratios, and the ability to hold their position without power. Humanitarian efforts rely heavily on these drives due to their unique design. They feature an elliptically deformable inner gear, also known as the flex spline, which is meshed into a ridged outer gear, or the circular spline, using an elliptical horn, commonly referred to as the wave generator. The wave generator attaches directly to a motor. As the wave generator moves, it deforms the flex spline and alters its contact points with the circular spline. Every full rotation of the wave generator causes the flex spline to move only by the difference in the number of teeth in the flex spline and the circular spline. This specific design has 32 teeth in the flex spline and 34 teeth in the circular spline. Further details about this drive can be found here: http://www.projectbiped.com/projects/harmonic-drive To witness the drive in action, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF3HHH-Et4c