GEARS
GEARS
1. Terminology of Gears:
Gear
A gear is a rotating machine element with teeth (also called cogs) that engage
with another toothed part to transmit torque and motion. Gears are used in a
wide array of mechanical devices to alter the speed, direction, and torque of a
power source.
Pitch Circle
The pitch circle is an imaginary circle that represents where the teeth of two
gears effectively mesh. The diameter of this circle is known as the pitch
diameter. It is crucial because it defines the size and spacing of the gear teeth.
Module
The module is a measure of the size of the teeth and is defined as the pitch
diameter divided by the number of teeth. It is a key parameter in gear design,
ensuring that meshing gears work together smoothly.
Addendum and Dedendum
Addendum: The radial distance from the pitch circle to the top of the
teeth.
Dedendum: The radial distance from the pitch circle to the bottom of the
teeth space.
Pressure Angle
The pressure angle is the angle between the line of action (the line along which
the force is transmitted between meshing teeth) and the common normal to
the pitch circle at the point of contact. Standard pressure angles are 14.5°, 20°,
and 25°.
Backlash
Backlash is the slight play or clearance between the mating teeth of gears. It is
necessary to prevent binding but must be minimized to ensure accurate motion
transmission.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on two meshing gears. It
determines the mechanical advantage and speed reduction. A higher gear ratio
means higher torque and lower speed, and vice versa.
Helix Angle
For helical gears, the helix angle is the angle between the gear teeth and the
axis of rotation. This angle causes a gradual engagement of the gear teeth,
resulting in smoother and quieter operation compared to spur gears.
Gear Train
A gear train is a set of gears working together in sequence to transfer motion
and power. Gear trains can include a combination of different types of gears to
achieve desired speed and torque characteristics.
Face Width
The face width is the width of the gear tooth measured along the axial plane. It
impacts the load distribution across the gear teeth and is crucial for the
strength and durability of the gear.
Pitch Point
The pitch point is the point of contact between the pitch circles of two meshing
gears. It is where the action of the gears is most effective in transmitting
motion and force.
Tooth Profile
The tooth profile refers to the shape of the gear teeth. The most common
profile is the involute profile, which ensures smooth and continuous
transmission of motion between gears.
Circular Pitch
Circular pitch is the distance measured along the pitch circle from one point on
a tooth to the corresponding point on the adjacent tooth. It is equal to the
pitch circumference divided by the number of teeth.
2. Types of gears:
1. Spur Gears
Description: A spur gear is the simplest and most common type of gear. It
consists of a cylindrical body with straight teeth that are parallel to the gear's
axis of rotation. Spur gears are primarily used to transfer motion and power
between parallel shafts.
Advantages:
Easy to manufacture and design.
High efficiency.
Effective at moderate speeds and loads.
Disadvantages:
Can be noisy at high speeds due to the sudden engagement of teeth.
Produce a lot of stress on the gear teeth.