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 use in module of e.g. linear motor of down-hole drill used in e.g. oil drilling applications, has harmonic drive reciprocating ring arranged around drive rotor, and comprising ball transfer outer race housings |
| 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. |
| Use: Harmonic drive assembly for use in a module of a linear motor and a module of a rotary motor (all claimed) of a down-hole drill used in oil drilling applications and geothermal drilling applications. |
| Advantage: The assembly utilizes rolling motion to replace sliding contact at a ball transfer support to reduce friction, abrasive wear of internal components and manufacturing costs of the overall assembly, and to improve performance and efficiency. The assembly provides improved torque characteristics to the motor. |
| Novelty: The assembly has a harmonic drive rotor (60) comprising a set of track grooves (60a). A harmonic drive reciprocating ring is arranged around the harmonic drive rotor, and comprises a housing and a set of ball transfer outer race housings that define ball transfer outer races. A ball is arranged within each of the track grooves and the outer races, where the track grooves form a re-circulating path around the harmonic drive to convert harmonic, cycloidal or polynomial motion in the harmonic drive reciprocating ring to rotary motion, and the ball transfer outer races comprise a number of outer race cycles per revolution that exceeds a number of harmonic drive rotor cycles per revolution of the harmonic drive rotor. |
| Filed: 10/31/2018 |
| Application Number: US16177312A |
| Tech ID: SD 14556.1 |
| 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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