Monolithic and statically balanced rotational power transmission coupling for parallel axes

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Abstract

A new fully compliant rotational power transmission mechanism is presented. The design is based on the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM) of the Oldham constant velocity coupling. It can be fabricated as a single piece device with planar materials which make it suitable for micro scale applications. The internal stiffness of the proposed structure is eliminated by static balancing technique. Therefore, the compliance and zero stiffness behavior compensate for the structural error and poor efficiency inherent in rigid-body Oldham coupling, resulting in high mechanical efficiency power transmission system. The device is designed and its motion, torsional stiffness, and torque-angular displacement relations are predicted by the PRBM and finite element modeling. A large/macro scale prototype was manufactured and measured to evaluate the concept. This high efficient power transmission system can be applied in different applications in precision engineering and the relevant field such as micro power transmission system.