ABSTRACT
The optimal selection of gearbox, gear ratio, and motor is a complicated design problem. To solve this issue, this article proposes a novel model-based, integrated methodology that improves the concept of optimal gear ratio. The method accounts for the chief relations between the characteristics of motor, gearbox, and gear ratio through scaling rules. The main nonideal behaviors and limitations of off-the-shelf components are included. The gear ratio minimizing the motor size is finally obtained. The result reduces the need of iterations in the design and aids in finding the optimal combination of motor and gearbox.