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FEATURE GEARS & GEARBOXES
of demand continue within the market. According to market intelligence specialist,
Interact Analysis, just under 50% of precision gear products sold in 2022 had a planetary design, which highlights their popularity. Compact in design and offering high
precision, planetary gearboxes are the ideal servomotor solution for mobile robots, with estimates showing that the vast majority of mobile robots employing precision gear products will have planetary gears (~95%) by 2026. It is therefore of paramount importance that mobile robot manufacturers select the best precision planetary gearboxes for the specific needs of their robots and applications.
SEVEN KEY CONSIDERATIONS In order to ensure optimal performance, reliability and efficiency, there are seven key factors the designer needs to consider: 1. Torque and Power Requirements Torque and power requirements are specific to the intended application’s and payloads. Manufacturers must carefully address the torque demands of each robot’s motors and actuators in order to select planetary gearboxes that can handle loads effectively. Ensuring adequate torque ratings for planetary gearboxes can help to prevent premature wear, overheating and potential system failure. 2. Efficiency and Gear Ratios A crucial element of mobile robot design, planetary gearboxes generally offer higher efficiency than other types of gearboxes. Manufacturers should carefully evaluate the efficiency of gearboxes and consider the gear ratios that suit each mobile robot’s operation needs. The selection of proper gear ratios ensures optimal motor speed and torque output, which translates into better energy utilisation and enhances overall performance. 3. Size and Weight Constraints Compact autonomous systems such as mobile robots often have limited space and weight allowances. Planetary gearboxes are known
PLANETARY GEARBOXES: THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MOBILE ROBOTS M
Precision gears are an essential component within the motion control systems of mobile
obile robots are predicted to become the number one industry for planetary gear products by 2026, as high levels
robots. Mike Gulliford, managing director, Apex Dynamics UK, examines the key factors a designer needs to consider when selecting planetary gearboxes for such applications
for their compact and lightweight designs, making them the preferred choice for many manufacturers. Manufacturers must give consideration to selecting gearboxes that fit within the space constraints and adhere to the weight limitations of their mobile robots without compromising performance. 4. Backlash and Precision Precision gearboxes are designed to have low or zero backlash, meaning the clearance between interlocking teeth is much smaller than in standard gearboxes. This improves the accuracy and repeatability of robot movements, which is particularly important in applications where fast, precise movement is required, such as industrial automation or medical robots. Choosing planetary gearboxes with minimal backlash helps to maintain positional accuracy and reduce errors. 5. Lubrication and Maintenance Choosing the correct type of lubrication and understanding the maintenance needs of planetary gearboxes is vital to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of mobile robots. For example, sealed gearboxes or those with extended intervals between lubrication may be preferred by mobile robot manufacturers in order to reduce maintenance requirements and extend system uptime. 6. Durability and Reliability These factors are key to the overall longevity of mobile robot systems, which operate in a range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, and environments heavy on moisture and/or dust, with some even designed to operate in underwater environments. Intense operating conditions make it crucial for
mobile robot manufacturers to select gearboxes that are made from high-quality materials and that are precision manufactured to ensure they
50 DESIGN SOLUTIONS NOVEMBER 2023
can withstand the rigours of the application, with adequate protection against corrosion, ingress and environmental contaminants. For example, all Apex Dynamics UK gearboxes are made in our CE and ATEX-certified manufacturing facility and come with a five-year warranty. 7. Cost and Availability It is important to strike the correct balance between required performance and budget constraints to ensure the project (and product) remains economically viable. Furthermore, good delivery times for planetary gearboxes are crucial to ensure products are ready to ship to customers. At Apex Dynamics UK, we guarantee delivery within 3-4 weeks, combining high quality products with reasonable prices, excellent customer service and support. By considering the variables above,
manufacturers can make informed decisions and help to ensure they develop robust, best-in-class products, with high performance, low backlash, precision, durability, minimal downtime, and success in their respective applications. At Apex Dynamics UK, we supply products to the mobile robot industry and our new GL series of precision planetary gearboxes has been specifically designed for AGV applications. With a unique rotary housing that allows a drive wheel and pulley to be mounted over the exterior, the GL helical planetary gearboxes are available with a shaft input (GLS), which allows the gearbox to be driven by belt and pulley. GL gearboxes are fitted with helical planetary gears hardened to 840 HV, patented input and output sealing, and a patented input bearing system that ensures perfect concentricity.
Apex Dynamics
www.apexdynauk.com
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