Reliability analysis of harmonic gear drive flexspline considering bending fatigue

The flexspline is a vulnerable component of the harmonic gear drive, and its reliability is a key factor in determining the trouble-free operation of the harmonic gear drive. According to the stress-strength interference theory, combined with the Monte Carlo simulation method, the calculation model of the bending fatigue reliability of the flexible wheel of the harmonic gear drive is established. Random stress and strength data were generated using the Monte Carlo simulation method and analyzed using the stress-strength interference theory. The model considers different parameter ranges and distributions, resulting in more accurate predictions of the flexural fatigue performance of the flexspline. The model was applied to analyze the reliability of the flexspline in a specific harmonic gear drive. The Monte Carlo simulation method was employed to calculate the reliability of the harmonic gear reducer’s flexspline bending fatigue failure, yielding a reliability rate of 96.67%. The results demonstrate that the design of the flexspline exhibits high reliability under normal working conditions.