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 i.e. primary rotor assembly, for use in fluid-powered linear motor for drilling downhole drill for e.g. oil drilling application, has grooves that form recirculating path around harmonic drive to convert harmonic, cycloidal or polynomial motion in 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 i.e. primary rotor assembly, for use in a fluid-powered linear motor for drilling a downhole drill for oil drilling, geothermal drilling and deep earth penetration applications. |
| Advantage: The harmonic drives and motors use rolling motion to replace the sliding contact at the ball transfer support to reduce friction and abrasive wear of internal components, improve performance and efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs of the assembly. |
| Novelty: The assembly i.e. primary rotor assembly (20), has a harmonic drive rotor (60) comprising track grooves. A harmonic drive reciprocating ring is arranged around the harmonic drive rotor. The harmonic drive reciprocating ring comprises a housing and multiple ball transfer outer race housings that define ball transfer outer races. A ball is arranged within each of the track grooves and outer races. The ball track grooves form a recirculating path around the harmonic drive to convert harmonic, cycloidal or polynomial motion in the harmonic drive reciprocating ring to rotary motion. |
| Filed: 2/19/2024 |
| Application Number: US18581178A |
| Tech ID: SD 14556.4 |
| 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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