Dual-Contact Drive Sprocket Teeth for Lower Friction Meshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive sprockets and drive members do not transmit power efficiently due to significant loads causing relative movement between the drive member and the sprocket teeth, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A drive sprocket design with symmetrical teeth featuring first and second engagement surfaces, defined by arcs, allowing dual contact points for engagement, and a roller chain with engagement pockets that articulate without direct contact with the sprocket teeth, reducing wear and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional drive sprocket with teeth is used to transmit power through a drive member, then power transmission is achieved, but significant loads cause relative movement between the drive member and sprocket teeth leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth is segmented into multiple engagement surfaces (first engagement surface and second engagement surface) that contact the drive member at different locations. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple contact points, preventing relative movement and improving power transmission efficiency while maintaining reliable engagement under significant loads.
2Ease of operation
If the tooth profile is made asymmetrical to improve engagement, then meshing capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth profile employs asymmetrical engagement surfaces where the first engagement surface and second engagement surface are positioned at different radial locations and orientations. This asymmetry optimizes the meshing capability and load distribution while the overall tooth shape remains symmetrical about the radial axis, simplifying manufacturing processes.
3Force
If the drive member makes direct contact with sprocket teeth under high load, then power transmission force is sufficient, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surfaces are positioned at different radial dimensions, with the first engagement surface at one radial location and the second engagement surface at another radial location. This dimensional distribution allows the drive member to engage the tooth at multiple levels, distributing the load and reducing friction and wear while maintaining sufficient power transmission force.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive sprocket can include a plurality of teeth for meshing with a drive member to transmit rotary motion. The drive member can include a plurality of engagement pockets engaging the teeth of the drive sprocket, where each tooth has a tooth profile defined by a first side comprising a first engagement surface and an opposite second side comprising a second engagement surface, which engagement surfaces are configured such that when driven, a tooth meshes to the engagement pocket at a first contact location on the first engagement surface and also at a second contact location on the second engagement surface.