Abstract Single-input multi-output spatial petal gear is a new type of transmission, which combines the ancient lotus petal structure with the nutation drive principle, has many advantages such as small size, light weight, low noise, high bearing capacity, long life, high reliability, etc. and a broad application prospect, especially suitable for the reducer with high bearing capacity. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the basic structure and transmission principle of spatial petal gear, derive the tooth surface equation and meshing equation, analyze the boundary dimensions according to the meshing characteristics of petal gear. The basic parameters of petal gear are designed and calculated by using Matlab software, the 3D model is established by using Creo software, and the kinematics simulation is analyzed to verify the correctness of the innovative structure. The strength analysis are carried out on the tooth surface by finite element method, where the maximum stress occurs to verify the strength requirements of the gear and the rationality of structural design.