Anti-Backlash Gearwheel Spring Layout for Compact Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlash-free gear mechanisms require significant radial space for spring elements, making them unsuitable for small transmissions, and have complex assembly processes, especially for small gears.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates rod-shaped spring elements with angled longitudinal extensions that are not parallel to the axis of rotation, allowing for a compact configuration and simple assembly by using recesses in the gear wheel parts, which reduces the radial space requirement and minimizes friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wave-shaped spring elements with radial extension are used to brace gear wheel parts, then the gear parts can be braced against each other, but the radial space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is reoriented from a radial configuration to an axial configuration. The rod-shaped areas extend primarily in the axial direction (parallel to the axis of rotation) rather than radially, transforming the space requirement from the radial dimension to the axial dimension. This allows the gear mechanism to maintain backlash-free operation while significantly reducing radial space occupation, making it suitable for compact transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the spring element is changed from wave-shaped with radial crests and troughs to rod-shaped with longitudinal extension primarily in the axial direction. This parameter change in orientation and shape allows the same bracing function to be achieved with different spatial characteristics, reducing radial protrusion while maintaining the prestressing capability between gear wheel parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex spring element configurations are used to achieve backlash-free operation, then transmission precision improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is divided into multiple rod-shaped areas connected at angles, with each rod-shaped area having one end in a recess of the first gear part and the other end in a recess of the second gear part. This segmentation into discrete, angle-connected rod areas simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process compared to complex wave-shaped configurations, while still achieving the required prestressing function for backlash-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element geometry is simplified from complex wave-shaped forms to angled rod-shaped segments. This parameter change in shape and configuration reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining the functional capability to prestress the gear parts and eliminate backlash. The angled rod configuration is easier to manufacture and install than traditional wave-shaped springs.
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 design achieves a backlash-free transmission with reduced radial space requirements and simplified assembly, minimizing friction and wear, while maintaining the gear's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spring element comprises at least two rod-shaped areas connected to one another at one of their ends... the at least one rod-shaped area with its longitudinal extension essentially transverse to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gear running plane is aligned... Tolerances in the transmission can be compensated for and the play can be reduced by the spring element according to the invention
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a gear for a backlash-free transmission comprising a first gear part and a second gear part, the tooth engagement areas of which are arranged side by side in the direction of the gear's axis of rotation and which are preloaded against each other by means of at least one spring element acting circumferentially with respect to the gear. The object of the present invention is to provide a gear that requires little installation space and is therefore suitable for use and assembly even in small transmissions. To this end, the invention provides that the at least one spring element comprises at least two rod-shaped sections connected to each other at one of their ends, wherein at least one of the rod-shaped sections is oriented such that its longitudinal extent is substantially transverse to a plane perpendicular to the gear's axis of rotation.