journal article·2025-06-16Open access

A Review of Research on Precision Rotary Motion Systems and Driving Methods

Xuecheng Luan, Hanwen Yu, Chunxiao Ding, Ying Zhang, Mingxuan He, Jinglei Zhou, Yandong Liu

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 12

Abstract

As the core component of modern mechanical transmission, the precision rotary motion mechanism and its drive system have wide applications in aerospace, robotics, and other fields. This article systematically reviews the design principles, performance characteristics, and research progress of various rotational motion mechanisms and their driving technologies. The working principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of gears, drive belts, sprockets, camshafts, ratchet claw mechanisms, and linkage mechanisms were analyzed in terms of traditional mechanisms. In terms of new mechanisms, we focused on exploring the innovative design and application potential of intermittent indexing mechanisms, magnetic gears, 3D-printed spherical gears, and multi-link mechanisms. In addition, the paper compared the performance differences of electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric drive methods. Research has shown that through material innovation, structural optimization, and intelligent control, there is still significant room for improvement in the load capacity, accuracy, and reliability of precision rotary motion mechanisms, providing theoretical support and practical reference for innovative design and engineering applications of future mechanical transmission technologies.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems · Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems · Mechanical Engineering and Vibrations Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China

Linyi Special Equipment Inspection Institute, Linyi 276002, China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province · Doctoral Research Fund Project of Shandong Jianzhu University · Shandong Province Science and Technology based Small and Medium sized Enterprises Innovation Capability Enhancement Project

References (100+)

Show source-provided references
1. Haitao Ren Study on rock breaking mechanism of PDC bit with rotating module10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107312 ↗
2. Acoustic signal-based fault detection of hydraulic piston pump using a particle swarm optimization enhancement CNN10.1016/j.apacoust.2022.108718 ↗
3. Chao, Q., Zhang, J., Xu, B., Wang, Q.N., Lyu, F., and Li, K. (2022). Integrated slipper retainer mechanism to eliminate slipper wear in high-speed axial piston pumps. Front. Mech. Eng., 17.10.1007/s11465-021-0657-z ↗
4. A Multi-Objective Mechanism Optimization for Controlling an Aircraft Using a Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage10.1115/1.4053820 ↗
5. Jia, X.Y., and Zhang, X. (2023). Numerical Study on Local Entropy Production Mechanism of a Contra-Rotating Fan. Entropy, 25.10.3390/e25091293 ↗
6. Novel growing robot with inflatable structure and heat-welding rotation mechanism10.1109/TMECH.2020.2999467 ↗
7. Bortnowski, P., Gładysiewicz, A., Gładysiewicz, L., Król, R., and Ozdoba, M. (2022). Conveyor Intermediate TT Drive with Power Transmission at the Return Belt. Energies, 15.10.3390/en15166062 ↗
8. Analytical flat belt drive model considering bilinear elastic behaviour with residual strains10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2023.105466 ↗
9. Ren, F.C., Liang, X., and Jiang, T. (2020, January 25–27). Performance analysis of escalator drive chain plate used for 5 years. Proceedings of the 2020 5th International Conference on Mechanical, Control and Computer Engineering (ICMCCE), Harbin, China.10.1109/ICMCCE51767.2020.00173 ↗
10. Jiang, S., Huang, S., Zeng, Q., Chen, S.J., Lv, J.W., Zhang, Y.Q., and Qu, W. (2023). Dynamic characteristics of the chain drive system under multiple working conditions. Machines, 11.10.3390/machines11080819 ↗
11. Li, L.Q., Zhang, D., and Tian, C.X. (2024). A family of generalized single-loop RCM parallel mechanisms: Structure synthesis, kinematic model, and case study. Mech. Mach. Theory, 195.10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105606 ↗
12. Bionics design and dynamics analysis of space webs based on spider predation10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.03.045 ↗
13. Bionic design and experimental study for the space flexible webs capture system10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2978108 ↗
14. Optimal design and implementation of an amphibious bionic legged robot10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.113823 ↗
15. Bionic muscle control with adaptive stiffness for bionic parallel mechanism10.1007/s42235-022-00279-w ↗
16. Wang, Z., Ge, W.J., Zhang, Y.H., Liu, B., Liu, B., Jin, S.K., and Li, Y.Z. (2023). Optimization Design and Performance Analysis of a Bionic Knee Joint Based on the Geared Five-Bar Mechanism. Bioengineering, 10.10.3390/bioengineering10050582 ↗
17. Bionics-Inspired Structure Boosts Drag and Noise Reduction of Rotating Machinery10.1007/s42235-023-00404-3 ↗
18. New developments with the cryogenic grating drive mechanisms for the ISO spectrometers10.1016/0011-2275(89)90105-7 ↗
19. Biological nanomotors with a revolution, linear, or rotation motion mechanism10.1128/MMBR.00056-15 ↗
20. Bundled rotary helix drive mechanism capable of smooth peristaltic movement
21. An, D.W., Huang, W.Q., Liu, W.Q., Xiao, J.R., Liu, X.C., and Liang, Z.W. (2021). Meshing drive mechanism of double traveling waves for rotary piezoelectric motors. Mathematics, 9.10.3390/math9040445 ↗
22. Koc, B., Kist, S., and Hamada, A. (2023). Wireless Piezoelectric Motor Drive. Actuators, 12.10.3390/act12040136 ↗
23. Design on electrohydraulic servo driving system with walking assisting control for lower limb exoskeleton robot10.1177/1729881421992286 ↗
24. Milecki, A., Jakubowski, A., and Kubacki, A. (2023). Design and Control of a Linear Rotary Electro-Hydraulic Servo Drive Unit. Appl. Sci., 13.10.3390/app13158598 ↗
25. A modeling method for gear transmission efficiency in transient operating conditions10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.103996 ↗
26. Prevention of resonance oscillations in gear mechanisms using non-circular gears10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2017.03.010 ↗
27. Investigation of the heavy duty truck gear drive failure10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106995 ↗
28. (2024, December 05). Baidu. Available online: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%BD%BF%E8%BD%AE%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84/10448252?fr=ge_ala.
29. Simulation study of the punching forming process and die wear of spur gears10.1007/s00170-024-13297-1 ↗
30. Analytical model of meshing stiffness, load sharing, and transmission error for internal spur gears with profile modification10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105650 ↗
31. Rigid-flexible coupled modeling of compound multistage gear system considering flexibility of shaft and gear elastic deformation10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110632 ↗
32. Analysis of dynamic load characteristics of high coincidence spur gears
33. Effect of Addendum Modification on Helix Angle in Involute Helical Gear Pairs with Long-Short Addendum System Focusing on Specific Sliding10.1007/s40032-024-01077-5 ↗
34. Contact fatigue life estimation for asymmetric helical gear drives10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107155 ↗
35. Effects of dynamic transmission errors and vibration stability in helical gears10.1007/s12206-014-0513-8 ↗
36. Face-gear drive: Meshing efficiency assessment10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2022.104765 ↗
37. Calculation and analysis of contact ratio of helical curve-face gear pair10.1007/s40430-017-0769-x ↗
38. Design optimization of worm gear drive with reduced power loss10.1088/1757-899X/635/1/012015 ↗
39. A combined experimental and computational study of lubrication mechanism of high precision reducer adopting a worm gear drive with complicated space surface contact10.1016/j.triboint.2020.106261 ↗
40. New geometry of face worm gear drives with conical and cylindrical worms: Generation, simulation of meshing, and stress analysis10.1016/S0045-7825(02)00235-9 ↗
41. Kinematics of point-conjugate tooth surface couple and its application in mixed mismatched conical worm drive10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104528 ↗
42. Rahmani, M., and Redkar, S. (2024). Optimal DMD Koopman Data-Driven Control of a Worm Robot. Biomimetics, 9.10.3390/biomimetics9110666 ↗
43. Abrahám, R., Majdan, R., Kollárová, K., Tkáč, Z., Matejková, E., Masarovičová, S., and Drlička, R. (2024). Spike Device with Worm Gear Unit for Driving Wheels to Improve the Traction Performance of Compact Tractors on Grass Plots. Agriculture, 14.10.3390/agriculture14040545 ↗
44. Study on the vibration characteristics of worm helical gear drive10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2023.105484 ↗
45. Dual lead linear contact biased worm drive I-principle analysis
46. Meshing theory of face worm gear drive with hardened cylindrical worm10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2023.105323 ↗
47. Design and hot forging manufacturing of non-circular spur bevel gear10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2017.08.025 ↗
48. Tooth surface mismatch design of cycloidal bevel gear based on two directions modification of pinion cutter10.1299/jamdsm.2024jamdsm0024 ↗
49. An exact system of generation for face-hobbed hypoid gears: Application to high reduction hypoid gear drives10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2022.105115 ↗
50. Lapping adjustment method for actual surface of hypoid gears10.1007/s40430-023-04027-x ↗
51. Synthesis of indexing mechanisms with non-circular gears10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2016.06.019 ↗
52. Geometric design of a planetary gear train with non-circular gears10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2005.06.003 ↗
53. Design of a Conjugated Concave convex Non circular Gear Mechanism
54. Dual cycloid gear mechanism for automobile safety pretensioners10.1007/s11771-012-1013-6 ↗
55. DISG: Driving-integrated spherical gear enables singularity-free full-range joint motion10.1109/TRO.2023.3311911 ↗
56. Proposal for a Multiple-DOF Spherical Gear and Investigation of Backlash and Transmitted Efficiency Between Gears10.1007/s12541-021-00587-x ↗
57. Design method of a novel variable speed ratio line gear mechanism10.1177/0954406220937726 ↗
58. Improved design method for line gear pair based on screw theory10.1007/s12206-022-0324-2 ↗
59. Nonrelative sliding gear mechanism based on function-oriented design of meshing line functions for parallel axes transmission10.1177/1687814018796327 ↗
60. Development of magnetic gear mechanisms10.1139/tcsme-2017-510 ↗
61. A novel single-PM-array magnetic gear with HTS bulks10.1109/TASC.2017.2672676 ↗
62. A new structure for the magnetic gear10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2919679 ↗
63. A superconducting magnetic gear10.1088/0953-2048/29/5/054008 ↗
64. Study of an axial-flux modulated superconducting magnetic gear10.1109/TASC.2018.2841923 ↗
65. Investigation of Axial–Radial Bevel Magnetic Gear Based on Magnetic 3D Printing10.1007/s12541-025-01260-3 ↗
66. Rotating single-electrode triboelectric V-belts with skidding and wear monitoring capabilities10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109404 ↗
67. Modeling and dynamic analysis of accessory drive systems with integrated starter generator for micro-hybrid vehicles10.1177/0954407018764159 ↗
68. Modeling and validation of dynamic performances of timing belt driving systems10.1016/j.ymssp.2020.106910 ↗
69. Intelligent triboelectric V-belts with condition monitoring capability10.1016/j.ymssp.2024.111132 ↗
70. Design, modeling and experiment of a novel synchronous belt drive with noncircular pulleys. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology
71. Interactive design for additive manufacturing: A creative case of synchronous belt drive10.1007/s12008-017-0453-5 ↗
72. Saito, R., Noda, N.A., Sano, Y., Song, J., Minami, T., Birou, Y., Miyagi, A., and Huang, Y.S. (2018). Fatigue strength analysis and fatigue damage evaluation of roller chain. Metals, 8.10.3390/met8100847 ↗
73. Quasi-Static Chain Drive Model for Efficiency Calculation-Application to Track Cycling10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105780 ↗
74. 3D FEM simulation of flow velocity field for 5052 aluminum alloy multi-row sprocket in cold semi-precision forging process10.1016/S1003-6326(15)63681-0 ↗
75. Oil injection lubrication analysis of a silent chain drive system10.1016/j.advengsoft.2022.103210 ↗
76. Design and optimization of dual-phase chain transmission system based on single tooth chain plate10.1080/15397734.2020.1856683 ↗
77. Krithikaa, D., Chandramohan, P., Suresh, G., Rathinasabapathi, G., Madheswaran, D.K., and Mohammed Faisal, A. (Mater. Today Proc., 2024). A study on: Design and fabrication of E-glass fiber reinforced IPN composite chain plates for low duty chain drives, Mater. Today Proc., in press.10.1016/j.matpr.2024.05.098 ↗
78. Rădulescu, B., Mihalache, A.M., Păduraru, E., Hriţuc, A., Rădulescu, M.C., Slătineanu, L., and Ermolai, V. (2023). Tensile Behavior of Chain Links Made of Polymeric Materials Manufactured by 3D Printing. Polymers, 15.10.3390/polym15153178 ↗
79. Tiboni, M., Amici, C., and Bussola, R. (2021). Cam Mechanisms Reverse Engineering Based on Evolutionary Algorithms. Electronics, 10.10.3390/electronics10243073 ↗
80. Using servo-drives to optimize the transmission angle of cam mechanisms10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2019.02.001 ↗
81. (2024, September 22). Baidu. Available online: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%87%B8%E8%BD%AE%E6%BB%9A%E5%AD%90/9971479?fr=ge_ala.
82. Geometry design and machining of roller gear cams with cylindrical rollers10.1016/0094-114X(94)90079-5 ↗
83. Analytic and numerical results of a disc cam bending with a roller follower10.1007/s42452-020-03383-w ↗
84. An integrally formed design for the rotational balancing of disk cams10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104282 ↗
85. An improved design for rotating balance of assembled type conjugate disk cams10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104700 ↗
86. Profile determination of planar and spatial cams with cylindrical roller-followers10.1243/PIME_PROC_1996_210_231_02 ↗
87. Cylindrical cam electromagnetic vibration damper utilizing negative shunt resistance10.1109/TMECH.2019.2959523 ↗
88. Zayas-Figueras, E.E., and Buj-Corral, I. (2023). Comparative study about dimensional accuracy and surface finish of constant-breadth cams manufactured by FFF and CNC milling. Micromachines, 14.10.3390/mi14020377 ↗
89. Design and investigation of a multi-material compliant ratchet-like mechanism10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2017.10.017 ↗
90. A rotary microgripper with locking function via a ratchet mechanism10.1088/0960-1317/26/1/015008 ↗
91. A micro transmission system based on combination of micro elastic structures and ratchet mechanism10.1007/s00542-015-2679-0 ↗
92. Roach, G.M. (2003). An Investigation of Compliant Over-Running Ratchet and Pawl Clutches, Brigham Young University.
93. Ratchet mechanisms for high-speed transmissions10.3103/S1068798X08090025 ↗
94. Study behaviour of ratchet mechanism manufactured with 3D printing technology10.1088/1757-899X/1235/1/012001 ↗
95. Optimizing 4-bar crank-rocker mechanism10.1016/0094-114X(79)90018-1 ↗
96. A complete classification of planar four-bar linkages10.1016/0094-114X(85)90071-0 ↗
97. Mohammed, S.E., Baharom, M.B., Aziz, A.R.A., and Zainal, A.E.Z. (2019). Modelling of combustion characteristics of a single curved-cylinder spark-ignition crank-rocker engine. Energies, 12.10.3390/en12173313 ↗
98. Dynamic Design of Crank-Rocker SI Engine Mechanism10.1007/s42417-022-00629-2 ↗
99. Synthesis and sensitivity analysis of the crank-rocker mechanism10.1088/1757-899X/776/1/012060 ↗
100. Design of a parallel crank-rocker flapping mechanism for insect-inspired micro air vehicles. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers10.1243/09544062JMES517 ↗