The Archimedes Drive represents a breakthrough in high precision drive technology, required for the next generation of actuated systems.
The Archimedes Drive achieves its reduction ratio in a two-step process:
1 Planetary principle reducing speed and increasing torque proportionally based on the size.
2 Compound principle the reduction ratio is determined by the difference in diameter between the ground and the output.
Instead of relying on interlocking teeth, Archimedes Drive uses smooth, hardened hollow cylinders called Flexrollers. These cylinders are under a compressed load, generating tractional contact.
Continuous tractional contact leads to zero backlash, high stiffness, and high efficiency.
This simplified and scalable design allows for compact and robust construction, capable of transmitting high torque loads.
Archimedes Drive is incredibly stiff and has true zero backlash. This results in high transparency even with higher reduction ratio’s.
The key components are patented smooth hollow cylinder shaped rollers. As these Flexrollers rotate, they transmit rotational motion from the input to the output, with continuous contact.
This method eliminates the need for teeth and thus avoids the common issues of backlash and wear found in toothed drive systems.
When subjected to excessive torque due to vibrations, shocks, or pressure exceeding peak torque (Called ‘slip torque’), Archimedes Drive seamlessly transitions into a sliding regime.
This, technology inherent characteristic, prevents fatal damage. Allowing occasional slip results in a robust and reliable drive, with an optimized formfactor. It is no longer needed to design for momentarily peak torques.
Whether in industrial settings or consumer applications, their low noise emission ensures a smooth and unobtrusive presence.
Archimedes Drive emits low-frequency noise, ideal for human-robot interaction. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise pollution needs to be minimized.
By utilizing a traction-based mechanism, minimal energy is lost due to the elimination of vibrations and heat. The Archimedes Drive design prioritizes energy efficiency by minimizing losses, thereby maximizing the conversion of input power into useful output motion.
Efficiency plot: Archimedes Drive DELTA-15
The result is: reduced energy consumption and enhanced performance.
The Archimedes Drives exhibit exceptional backdrivability, facilitating smooth manual system manipulation as needed.
True zero backlash ensures there is no motion lost between mechanical components, while the exceptional stiffness ensures no force is absorbed or altered. Together, they enable the drive to transmit forces with high precision, creating a highly predictable and intuitive motion profile.
Comparison between Archimedes Drive and Strain Wave Gear
At IMSystems, our team of engineers is pioneering the next generation robotics with our cutting-edge Archimedes Drive. This revolutionary technology not only enhances the efficiency of existing equipment but also sparks the creation of groundbreaking applications across various industries.
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