Double planetary gears cut backlash in a big way

July 6, 2000
New PN planetary gearheads from Oriental Motor U.S.A. Corp., Torrance, Calif., cut backlash to less than 3 arc min compared to traditional planetary gears typically having backlash of 20 arc min.

The trick? Newly developed gears.

With the new design, both the internal and planetary gears have upper and lower stages. These "double planetary" gears consist of two pieces that apply pressure on the sun gear in opposite directions simultaneously, eliminating the gaps that produce backlash between gear teeth. The upper level internal and planetary gears reduce clockwise backlash while the lower level internal and planetary gears reduce counterclockwise backlash.

PN gearheads have six gear ratios ranging from 5:1 to 50:1, and can be used with the company's AlphaStep 2.36-in.2 and 3.54 in.2 motors.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Build Better Robotics with Integrated Actuators

July 17, 2024
Reese Abouelnasr, a Mechatronics Engineer with Harmonic Drive, answers a few questions about the latest developments in actuators and the design or engineering challenges these...

Crisis averted: How our AI-powered services helped prevent a factory fire

July 10, 2024
Discover how Schneider Electric's services helped a food and beverage manufacturer avoid a factory fire with AI-powered analytics.

Pumps Push the Boundaries of Low Temperature Technology

June 14, 2024
As an integral part of cryotechnology, KNF pumps facilitate scientific advances in cryostats, allowing them to push temperature boundaries and approach absolute zero.

The entire spectrum of drive technology

June 5, 2024
Read exciting stories about all aspects of maxon drive technology in our magazine.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!