The Dynamic Simulation and Analysis of a Cycloidal Speed Reducer

In industry, digital prototyping has become a valuable tool for the design and subsequent analysis of components for a proposed design. Prior to its maturation as a design tool, it was common to go through repeated physical iterations of a given design to assess form, fit and function. Investments in design time, prototype procurement and subsequent testing yielded long term product incubation periods from initial concept to final production. Current design modeling software allows for part design, unit assembly, loading and dynamic simulation of a component electronically — all without the procurement of a physical prototype. The results from such dynamic simulation can then be analyzed through finite element analysis to assess component functionality in its intended operational environment with an eye towards design optimization. From the perspective of gear design, digital prototyping certainly affords the same advantages as has been described. Indeed, it is common to find electronic examples of 3D gearset with motion and loading condition imposed on them. It is less common, however, to find similar dynamic examples of the operation of a cycloidal type speed reducer where the kinematics of the reduction mechanism is completely different from that of the traditional involute gearing. This paper will explore a method of dynamically simulating a cycloidal type speed reducer where the generated internal loads will be used to assess the stresses acting on the one of the major reduction components contained within — namely, the cycloid disc.