Show HN: I'm a 15 Year Old Wannabe Engineer, This Is a Cycloidal Gearbox I Built

A 15-year-old aspiring engineer has unveiled a functional cycloidal gearbox that he crafted using a Python script. The gearbox, designed to be compact and fit within the same space as a NEMA 17 motor, aimed to validate the accuracy of the Python cycloidal generator script. However, due to the precise tolerances required for a small cycloidal drive and the limitations of 3D printing, the initial design proved unsuccessful.

This first working version, however, was able to run on a NEMA 17 motor, featuring a larger footprint to accommodate the necessary tolerances for a fully functional gearbox. The Python script utilized two primary parametric equations: one for the x-coordinate and one for the y-coordinate, both incorporating complex trigonometric functions.

The reduction ratio of the gearbox was set at 1:9, meaning the rotor rotates in the opposite direction to the input shaft. For Version 3 of the design, the CAD files are available in the cad_models/version_3 folder. The design has been optimized by allowing the housing pins to be replaced with MR128 bearings, which offer reduced friction and increased efficiency.

Additionally, the output pins can be swapped with M2 screws with metal coverings, enhancing the gearbox's rigidity, maximum torque output, and overall efficiency.