Adjustable Gear Backlash in Rotary Output Shaft Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary apparatuses face precision issues due to unadjustable backlash in their gear sets, which can lead to either premature wear or reduced precision, depending on the backlash value.
Innovation Solution
The rotary apparatus incorporates a base unit, a top adjusting disc unit, a drive unit, a gear mechanism, and a bearing unit, allowing for adjustable backlash through the synchronous rotation of the top and bottom adjusting disc units, which moves the passive gear relative to the active gear via the bearing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the backlash is relatively small, then the precision of the rotary apparatus is improved, but abrasion of gear components is aggravated which shortens service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable backlash mechanism that allows the backlash value to be dynamically changed based on operational requirements. The adjusting disc can be rotated to different positions to modify the backlash between gear components, enabling the system to adapt between precision-oriented and durability-oriented operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the backlash parameter from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By providing an adjusting disc with multiple positioning holes at different radial distances from the center, the system can alter the backlash parameter to optimize either precision or service life depending on the selected position.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the backlash is relatively large, then the service life of the rotary apparatus is extended, but the precision of the rotary apparatus is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable backlash mechanism enables the system to dynamically switch between large backlash (for extended service life) and small backlash (for high precision) operating conditions. The operator can select the appropriate backlash value by positioning the adjusting disc accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fixed backlash parameter into a variable parameter that can be adjusted within a specific range. Different positioning hole locations on the adjusting disc correspond to different backlash values, allowing optimization of the precision-service life trade-off.
3Device complexity
If a fixed gear set is used, then the structure is simple, but the backlash cannot be adjusted leading to precision issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gear assembly into adjustable components: a fixed base gear and a movable adjusting disc with gear teeth. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the relative position between gears while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of the gear set.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting disc serves as an intermediary component between the fixed gear and the output shaft. It mediates the backlash adjustment function by providing a controllable offset, thereby improving precision without requiring complete redesign of the gear transmission system.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary apparatus includes a casing having a top sunk opening and an axial hole that are coaxially with each other along an axial line. A top adjusting disc unit is fixed in the top sunk opening, and has a top inner surrounding surface and a top outer surrounding surface. A top inner hole of the top inner surrounding surface extends along a central line parallel to and offset from the axial line. The top outer surrounding surface is non-coaxial with the top inner surrounding wall. A passive gear unit is disposed in the axial hole, and is driven by an active gear unit that is driven by a drive unit in the casing. The passive gear unit has an output shaft extending along the central line. A top bearing is clamped between the top support portion and the top inner surrounding surface of the top adjusting disc unit.