Load analysis of thin-walled flexible bearing in harmonic reducer considering assembly with flexspline and cam

• A calculation model of ball load of flexible bearing is established. • The taper and axial deformation of the outer race are considered. • The influences of structural parameters on load distribution are studied. • The effects of geometric defects on the ball load are revealed. As a critical component of the harmonic reducer, the fatigue fracture, vibration, and noise of the thin-walled flexible bearing seriously affect the service performance of the harmonic reducer. Thus the study of load distribution of thin-walled flexible bearing is necessary. By considering the taper and axial deformation of the bearing outer race after assembling with the flexspline and cam, a static analysis model of ball load for the thin-walled flexible bearing is established. Then the influences of maximum radial deformation, diametral clearance, and geometric defects on the load distribution of flexible bearing are studied. Results show that the proposed model is consistent with the finite element analysis in calculating the ball load. The relationship between ball load and maximum radial deformation of the flexible bearing is approximately linear, and the angle of load distribution decreases with the increase of diameter clearance. The effects of ball size deviation, raceway waviness, and raceway surface spalling on the load distribution of flexible bearings are also revealed. The research results can provide a reference for the structural optimization and stress analysis of thin-walled flexible bearings.