Adjustable Worm Gear Backlash via Axial Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worm gear mechanisms in solar thermal power installations require high precision adjustments of mirrors to maximize light yield, but they often necessitate stocking multiple parts to achieve low circumferential backlash, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The worm shaft is made adjustable in the radial direction relative to the worm gear, allowing for the adjustment of axial spacing between the worm gear and worm shaft axes, enabling optimization of tooth geometry and backlash without the need for part pairing, and allowing for re-adjustment due to wear or run-in processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific tooth geometries (e.g., duplex toothing) are provided for the worm shaft and/or worm gear to reduce circumferential backlash, then the circumferential backlash is reduced, but the production cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the axial spacing parameter between the worm shaft and worm gear to adjust circumferential backlash. By making the axial spacing displaceable through adjustable mounting, the backlash can be optimized without requiring complex tooth geometries like duplex toothing, thus reducing production costs while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the worm gear and worm shaft are paired based on identified fabrication tolerances to achieve small circumferential backlash, then the circumferential backlash is reduced, but a large number of parts must be kept in stock to permit best selection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the axial spacing dynamic and adjustable after assembly. Instead of requiring precise pre-pairing of parts based on fabrication tolerances, the worm shaft can be adjusted radially to achieve optimal backlash, eliminating the need to stock multiple precision-matched parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the worm shaft is made adjustable in the radial direction to enable backlash adjustment, then the circumferential backlash becomes adjustable and part pairing is no longer necessary, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adjustability in the radial dimension of the worm shaft mounting. By providing adjustment capability in this dimension through simple means such as shims or adjustable bearings, the system achieves backlash adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for economical and robust worm gear mechanisms with adjustable backlash, reducing the need for multiple part stocks and enabling precise angle positioning under high loads, while maintaining high torsional stiffness and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusters in an advantageous embodiment of the invention are formed as threaded rings with an eccentric bore, in which the worm shaft is rotatably mounted. The axial spacing can then be varied by rotating the adjusters.
Data Source
AI summary
A worm gear drive mechanism (1) having a housing (8), a rotatably mounted worm gear (4) and a worm shaft (2) rotatably mounted at at least one bearing point (7), wherein the bearing point (7) has a displacement element (10) for displacing the axial spacing (17) between the gear axis of rotation (6) of the worm gear (4) and the shaft axis of rotation (5) of the worm shaft (2).