Development of micro traction drive modified from tapered roller bearings

Micro traction drive is a transmission by using of modified rolling bearings in so much transmitted power 70W. The traction force is easily generated by preload between inner race and outer race as thrust force. The driving force is transmitted by the contact of retainer combined output shaft with the rolling element in rotating direction. We developed a micro traction drive, which can transmit larger torque using tapered roller bearing. As a result, tapered roller bearing type micro traction drive transmits torque bigger than 1.5 or more times of angular ball bearing type micro traction drive after taking consideration for difference of outer diameter. Efficiency was also satisfactory at 80%~90%. The contact surface of roller, retainer, inner race and outer race was good after operation, and so we report that possibility of utilization of a micro traction drive using tapered roller bearing.