Bevel Gear Transmission Backlash Adjustment With Threaded Bearing Nut
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission systems face challenges in precisely and simply adjusting the backlash between bevel gears, often requiring complex measurement and limited adjustment accuracy due to manufacturing tolerances and structural difficulties in axial fixation.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system utilizing an adjustable roller bearing with a fine thread arrangement and clamping/centering flange to axially adjust the bevel gear, allowing for precise backlash adjustment without the need for precise component measurement, and securing the thread against loosening through a clamping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shims are installed to adjust backlash, then axial position can be changed, but measurement precision and adjustment accuracy are limited due to shim thickness and the need to measure all components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shim-based adjustment system with a threaded adjustment mechanism. The adjusting element with external thread engages with an internal thread in the housing, allowing continuous axial positioning of the bevel gear without shims. This substitution eliminates the need for discrete shim thickness measurements and enables finer, more precise backlash adjustment through rotational motion of the threaded element.
2Manufacturing precision
If thread-based axial infeed is used to set backlash, then stepless adjustment and higher precision are achieved, but structural difficulty arises in axially fixing the position after adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a clamping element that can be activated after the threaded adjustment element has positioned the bevel gear axially. The clamping element engages with a clamping surface on the adjusting element or housing to lock the axial position in place. This preliminary positioning followed by secondary clamping ensures both precise backlash adjustment and reliable fixation without requiring the thread itself to bear the full clamping load.
3Reliability
If pre-tensioning force is applied to the thread to prevent loosening, then axial position is secured, but the pre-tensioning force must be significantly higher than operating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of position adjustment and position securing into distinct elements. The threaded adjusting element handles axial positioning with minimal force, while a separate clamping element provides the necessary securing function. This segmentation allows the thread to operate at low force levels for precise adjustment without requiring high pre-tensioning forces, as the clamping element takes over the load-bearing securing function after adjustment is complete.
4Measurement precision
If fine thread with maximum pitch of 0.75 mm is used, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded adjusting element as an intermediary component that provides fine adjustment capability without requiring the main housing or bearing components to have complex fine-thread features. The fine thread is localized to a dedicated adjusting element that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the housing, simplifying the manufacturing of the main components while still achieving high adjustment precision through the fine-pitch thread on the adjusting element.
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
Enables precise and simple adjustment of backlash between bevel gears, improving the transmission's operational accuracy and ease of assembly while preventing unwanted rotation and maintaining concentricity.
Implementation Method 1
a thread arrangement which has an internal thread fixed in the transmission housing and an external thread interacting with the internal thread and which is formed on an adjusting nut
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission, comprising a transmission housing, a drive shaft having a first bevel gear rotationally mounted in the transmission housing by means of a first bearing arrangement, and an output shaft having a second bevel gear rotationally mounted in the transmission housing by means of a second bearing arrangement, wherein the second bevel gear is in meshing engagement with the first bevel gear. Said transmission further comprises an adjustment device for adjusting the tooth flank clearance between the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear by axially adjusting the first bevel gear and/or the second bevel gear, wherein the adjustment device comprises a roller bearing having an inner ring, which is fixedly connected to the drive shaft or the output shaft, and an outer ring, which is mounted in the transmission housing in an axially adjustable manner. The axial position of the outer ring of the roller bearing is adjustable by means of a threaded arrangement having an internal thread fixed in the transmission housing, and an external thread that interacts with the internal thread. The external thread is formed on an adjustable nut of the adjustment device, on which the outer ring is supported.