Investigation on Deformation of the Flex-Gear and Optimization Design of Compound Curve Cam Wave Generator with Spiral

The deformation shape and mechanical property of flex-gear greatly affect the meshing accuracy and service life of harmonic drive, and the stress wave generator plays a decisive role in the deformation shape and mechanical properties of the flexible gear. The investigation on deformation of the flex-gear around the major axis is developed with comparative analysis with three kinds of traditional and commonly used wave generators. Based on the influence of the deformation around the major axis on meshing accuracy and service life, the eccentric arc cam wave generator improved by transition curve for controlling the deformation shape and reducing the deformation stress is developed. Considering the achievable flexibility of spiral with smooth curvature change rate, the contour of the compound curve cam wave generator with arc and spiral is proposed. The deformation of the flex-gear under the influence of this compound curve cam and the standard elliptic cam is further comparative analyzed. The conclusion shows that this compound curve cam can indeed reduce the deformation stress in the meshing area by increasing the meshing width, and correct deformation shape can also be gained by shape control on the whole circumference of the flex-gear’s neutral layer.