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TECHNOLOGY

Secret:
Compound. Planetary. Traction.

TECHNOLOGY

Secret:
Compound. Planetary. Traction.

image of the inner components (flexrollers) of the Archimedes Drive for robotic application

Fundamental Working Principles

The Archimedes Drive represents a breakthrough in high precision drive technology, required for the next generation of actuated systems.

This innovative technology combines two foundational principles:

Compound Planetary

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.

Traction Contact

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.

Achieving the reduction ratio in a single stage through compound planetary mechanics
and ensure exceptional accuracy and transparency with traction technology.

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.

User benefits

True Zero Backlash

The speed reducer that truly can claim zero backlash, thanks to continuous contact.

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.

Overtorque Protection

Resist against chock, vibraison and collision

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.

Low Noise Level - 36 dB

As quiet as a gentle rain

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.

Unparalleled Efficiency

Maximized conversion to power

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.

Easy Backdrivable

For safe human-robot interaction

The Archimedes Drives exhibit exceptional backdrivability, facilitating smooth manual system manipulation as needed.

Ultimate Precision

Exceptional Stiffness, Zero Backlash, Excellent Transparency

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

High Torque Density

Exceed Human Performance

Archimedes Drive achieves an exceptional torque-to-weight-to-size ratio, surpassing human performance capabilities. 

Compact yet powerful, it delivers unmatched precision and strength, making it ideal for applications where limiting dimensions is crucial.

imsystems logo in orange and blue

Enabling Tomorrow’s Robotic Solutions.

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.

NOW AVAILABLE

ENDURE. PERFORM. PROTECT