Flexible rolling bearings utilize the controllable elastic deformation of flexible components to transmit motion and power. Their characteristics include a large transmission ratio, wide applicability, high precision, small backlash, high load-bearing capacity, high efficiency, small size, light weight, smooth transmission, low noise, and the ability to transmit motion to sealed spaces. Harmonic drive transmission consists of three basic components: wave generator, flexible wheel, rigid wheel, and flexible bearing. Flexible bearings are important components, and the transmission achieves high reduction ratio performance requirements through the elastic deformation of the bearings.

In operation, the inner ring of a flexible bearing is mounted on an elliptical cam and bears cyclic stress loads, while the outer ring is mounted on a flexible wheel and undergoes elastic deformation with the rotation of the cam. It not only bears cyclic stress loads but also alternating stress loads.