Systems and methods that use harmonic drives for converting reciprocating axial motion to continuous rotary motion, helical drives for converting reciprocating rotary motion to reciprocating axial motion and combinations thereof for converting reciprocating rotary motion to continuous rotary motion
| DWPI Title: Harmonic drive assembly for downhole drill, has ball track grooves that form recirculating path around harmonic drive to convert harmonic, cycloidal or polynomial motion in harmonic drive reciprocating ring to rotary motion |
| Abstract: A harmonic drive assembly and fluid-powered linear motors with both axial pistons are rotary piston arrangements incorporating the harmonic drive assembly are disclosed. The motors may be used in downhole drilling applications, but the drive assembly and/or motors may be used in other applications. The assembly, motors and methods use advanced harmonic drives, advanced helical drives, and combinations thereof with 1) motors with axial pistons and reciprocating linear rings to convert reciprocative axial motion to continuous rotary motion, and 2) motors with rotary pistons and reciprocating linear rings to rectify reciprocative rotary motion to continual rotary motion to improve performance over prior configurations. Axial pistons provide a robust simple solution for generating rotation; Rotational pistons provide increased torque generation as the torque generated is proportional to motor length. Since downhole drills are long, a high-torque motor can be produced using this method. |
| Use: Harmonic drive assembly to fluid-powered linear motors with axial or rotary pistons coupled to a harmonic drive for drilling in down hole drill used for oil drilling, geothermal drilling, and other deep earth penetration applications. |
| Advantage: The harmonic drives and motors using the disclosed harmonic drives are disclosed that use rolling motion to replace the sliding contact at the ball transfer support to reduce friction, reduce abrasive wear of internal components, improve performance, improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs of the overall assembly. |
| Novelty: The harmonic drive assembly has a harmonic drive for reciprocating ring inserted around the harmonic drive rotor (60). The ring has a housing and ball transfer outer race housings that define ball transfer races. A ball is inserted within each track groove and outer race. The ball track grooves form a recirculating path around harmonic drive to convert harmonic, cycloidal or polynomial motion in the ring to rotary motion. The number of outer race cycles per revolution of the ring exceeds the number of harmonic drive rotary rotor cycles per rotation of the rotor. |
| Filed: 9/14/2021 |
| Application Number: US17474721A |
| Tech ID: SD 14556.3 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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