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Drives, motors and power transmission, couplings, clutches
News Release from: Precision Motion (Cofil) | Subject: Infinite ratio 'gearboxes'
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 August 2002
Infinite ratio 'gearboxes' offered
Unusual, subtle, but intrinsically simple concept makes complicated servomotor systems obsolete for those precision positioning and transfers which require a fixed stroke motion.
Unusual, subtle, but intrinsically simple concept makes complicated servomotor systems obsolete for those precision positioning and transfers which require a fixed stroke motion MD Nigel Taylor explains that the 'gearboxes' have a ratio of infinity at certain pre-arranged position(s)
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 Aug 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Hence at those positions only, input shaft rotation produces zero output rotation.
Co-operation between Precision Motion (COFIL) and clients, ensures that this position of infinity ratio corresponds exactly with the transfer position required by the machine.
This is usually a simple matter provided only that the transfer motion required be always the same - which is often the case for many machines.
The device can be machine driven or a simple AC or DC motor can be used because where the ratio is infinity, then 'gearbox' output rotation is zero whether input shaft is rotating or not.
Thus, accurate control of the position of the input shaft is not required in order to produce precise output position.
Because there is no backlash in the device; position will be maintained exactly.
Position is locked without the necessity for a brake or shot-pin.
The transition through stop-motion-stop is smooth and gentle and has less jerk than is normal from even a servomotor.
(A stop rather than a synchronised speed variation is the normal requirement, but our system can produce either).
It is normal for us to talk in terms of microns for positional accuracy.
If necessary, our system can provide higher cycle speeds than servomotors can dream of.
The system is proven around the world.
A large product range based on 'gearbox' analogies of : Spur types = Parallel input and output shafts.
Worm types = Input/output shafts at right angle.
Many have built-in heavy duty load support bearings and output stages/tables instead of shaft outputs.
Standard double axis types are available - used for manipulation, automatic loading/unloading, or as power source for walking beams etc.
Typically, these types will give lift-transfer-lower motions.
Precision Motion (COFIL) offers a free, full, engineering co-operation which enables us to understand what and why are the client needs, and hence make our best proposal to meet those needs exactly.
Customer requirements for long trouble free life, form part of our calculations.
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