Researchers develop better cycloidal reducer for wheelchair users

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Institute said it has developed a cycloidal speed reducer with improved efficiency for physically challenged people.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Institute has developed a cycloidal speed reducer with better efficiency for wheelchair users.

The improved cycloid reducer has widened potential applications for electric wheelchairs and wearable medical robots used by disabled people, older adults, and patients.

The research institute under the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL) said the new device is part of an effort to localize harmonic reducers. Korea has depended on Japan for more than 90 percent of the domestic supply. The institute said that commercializing cycloidal reducers using homegrown technology would replace imports and provide quick customer service.

Cycloid reducers are used in various fields, including industrial robotics, automotive systems, aerospace engineering, and different machines.

Researchers said that the new cycloid reducer is thin, resistant to external shocks, and makes fewer noises, making it more suitable for wearable medical robots or electric wheelchairs for patients with paralysis in the lower body compared to the existing harmonic reducers.

According to the institute, the modified design of cycloid reducers can reduce manufacturing costs as it needs a small number of parts and has a simple structure. In addition, the cycloid reducer also can be applied to designing various types of reducers.

"We will continue to show interest in and support for improving the quality of life of disabled people, including those who suffered work accidents, by making quality rehabilitation aids, like the new cycloid reducer,” COMWEL President Kang Soon-hie said.

The research "Geometry design and dynamic analysis of a modified cycloid reducer with epitrochoid tooth profile" was published in the mechanical engineering journal, Mechanism and Machine Theory.