Better Than Gears?
 

http://www.synk.com/

Take a look around this site. The product they build, in theory has better efficency, and fits in to a tighter package that regular gears. I'll let you see it for your self.

looks like a tiny little Planetary gearset

it actually looks like a new spin on the harmonic drive, an idea that dates back to the 60s, at least, and was used on an experamental V/STOL aircraft desiganted the (i think) V-60

instead of using a flexible gear, they used rollers that are linked together. because of size (of the rollers), i don't think that it will be able to produce gear ratios nearly as large as those made in a conventional harmonic drive.

that is just the coolest thing Ive seen in a long time!

sorta works like a wankel engine

wonder how much their drives cost?

BTW - since they are patented, you could not make them and sell them, but you COULD make units yourself if you only use them in your robot (not for commercial applications)

in fact, since FIRST is an educational program, they might even encourage teams to manufacture their own SyncDrive transmissions.

Nice find!

While you could still make them, you would be in violation of their patent. A patent prevents you from using the design whether it's for non-commerical or even personal use. If you'd want to use it you'd have to talk directly to the company to ask for permission.

Matt

I'll have to look into that - Im pretty sure a patent only prevents you from commercial use of a design - they can stop you from selling them, but how can you stop someone from making something for themselves?

Matt - on this patent thing, the wording of the patent laws does give the impression that you cannot use a patented item without authorization of the patent holder

but I cannot believe that would include building one for the purpose of teaching students how it works.

Patent laws existed to protect the commercial usage of inventions - If I invented the airplane and patent it, then you cannot build an airplane and use it for commercial purposes

but can you build one and use it for yourself? or to teach students how an airplane works?

Can anyone reference a website or other source that explicitly discusses personal or educational use of patented things? I found lots of information on copywrited material and 'fair use' - but nothing specific to patents.

[Matt, I think you got me on this one :c) ]

There is no "Fair Use" clause that I know of that applies to Patent Law. I wish there was...

However, he patent on the harmonic drive would be expired. Patents only last for 20 years. So you could still make one.