Magnetic gears transmit torque via non-contact electro-magnetic coupling, which eliminates mechanical contact and significantly reduces wear, backlash, and noise compared to traditional mechanical gears. These benefits make magnetic gears particularly appealing for high-precision, high-reliability applications. However, achieving both high torque density and high gear ratios necessitates an optimized structural design that promotes efficient magnetic flux distribution while minimizing leakage and saturation. This study focuses on a hollow-type magnetic gear for collaborative robots that offers a high gear ratio. It employs topology optimization in conjunction with finite element analysis (FEA) to enhance torque density and efficiency. Key design variables, such as the geometry of the ferromagnetic core and the arrangement of permanent magnets, were optimized to increase average torque and reduce torque ripple and electro-magnetic losses. A prototype based on the optimized model was fabricated, and its performance was validated using a conventional direct torque measurement system. Experimental results were compared with simulation predictions to evaluate accuracy and analyze loss characteristics. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization approach and provide practical guidelines for designing high-efficiency magnetic gears suitable for advanced drive systems, including electric mobility and renewable energy applications.

The gear ratio variable topology of a magnetic gear with an integrated harmonic modulator is analyzed using a magnetic permeance model. A dynamic characteristic equation is derived in consideration of the gear ratio between each layer constituting the magnetic gear: the driving side, the driven side, and the control side layer. Based on derived transfer function, the frequency characteristic between driving torque and angular speed of the driving side is analyzed. Theoretic model is compared with an experimental test result using the in-house dynamometer. In the general magnetic gears, the gear ratio is variable so that speed between each layer decelerates with gear ratio, but transmission torque is constant regardless of gear ratio. In this study, these characteristics are also verified through theoretical methods and experimental results, respectively.