Rise Robotics patent a 'game changer' for flat belt drive systems

SOMERVILLE, Mass.—Rise Robotics, a mechanical systems researcher and developer, is offering limited licenses for a patent that it says "unlocks new possibilities" for angular flat belt drive systems.

In a Feb. 6 press release, the company said its patent, "Normalizing Tension Distribution and Minimizing Sidewall Abrasion Within Angular Belt Drive Systems," or EP 3 652 466 B1, introduces new methodologies, systems and components to belt-based power transfer methods and systems.

According to Rise Robotics, the patent proves "highly loaded belts at angles and around corners can outperform traditional designs without sacrificing service life."

"The key breakthrough lies in the ability to implement aggressive twist geometries with negligible reductions in service life compared to untwisted geometries," it said. "This achievement allows for twist ratios as aggressive as 7:1, enabling more compact design envelopes and expanding the applications of angular flat belt drives."

Blake Sessions, Rise Robotics co-founder and chief technology Officer, said the company's technology leverages recent advancement in the modern steel reinforced polyurethane flat belt.

"These belts are capable of operating at pulley interface pressures in excess of 1,400 PSI for millions of bending cycles," he said.

"We are thrilled to offer limited licenses for our groundbreaking patent, opening doors to more robust and efficient angular flat belt drive systems," CEO of Rise Robotics CEO Arron Acosta said. "This technology dispels the notion that highly loaded belts at angles and corners are impractical, showcasing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mechanical engineering."

Key features of the patent include:

• twist ratios as aggressive as 7:1 with minor penalties in service life;
• three dominant failure modes in straight flat belts subjected to fleet angles;
• provides methods for employing a flat belt in angular drives with twist ratios of 20:1 or less;
• introduces complimentary fleet angles to extend service life dramatically; and
• employs thermal and pressure-sensitive methods to determine effective complimentary fleet angles.

Those interested in the patent can contact Rise Robotics at [email protected] for more information and to acquire a limited license.