Gear bearing drive

US8016893B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US
• Northwestern University · US

Inventors

• Brian Weinberg · Town of West Hartford, US
• Constantinos Mavroidis · Arlington, US
• John M. Vranish · Crofton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 21, 2007
• Grant date: Sep 13, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H02K7/116
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.