rounddrive
Rounddrive is a term used in mechanical engineering and robotics to describe a circular or ring-shaped drive assembly that transmits torque around a circumference rather than along a straight line. In many designs, a motor drives an inner or outer ring, with rolling elements, pins, or friction surfaces establishing contact to transfer motion to a connected load. The arrangement can function as an internal ring drive or an external ring drive depending on whether the drive interface is inside or outside the ring. Variants include segmented rollers engaging a ring, or a continuous friction surface between rotating members.
Applications are typically found where compact size, uniform load distribution, or smooth rotary motion is advantageous,
Advantages may include a reduced linear footprint for equivalent torque, potential for even load distribution around
Origin of the term is uncertain and it is not a universally standardized category; it is used