Gear Lapping Machine Adjustable Shaft Angle Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear processing machines, such as lapping and testing machines, face limitations in accommodating a wide range of gear pair-shaft angles, which restricts their ability to precisely adjust contact patterns and maintain desired backlash during the lapping process, especially when gear axes are not at the standard 90° angle.
Innovation Solution
A gear processing machine with enhanced stiffness and adjustable spindle arrangements, featuring independent movement of spindles and axes, allowing for pivoting and rotation to accommodate various shaft angles, including those less than or greater than 90°, and incorporating a unique conduit system for improved component accessibility and reduced overhang, enabling precise control of gear positioning and contact pattern adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses a fixed 90° shaft angle between ring gear and pinion, then the machine structure is simplified, but the ability to accommodate a wide range of gear pair-shaft angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shaft angle between ring gear and pinion adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the machine to accommodate various gear pair-shaft angles. The spindles can be positioned at different angles (less than, equal to, or greater than 90°) to match different gear configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine provides extensive linear travel ranges for spindles and axes, then positioning flexibility is improved, but machine stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from extensive linear travel to angular adjustment. Instead of moving spindles over long linear distances, the machine uses rotational degrees of freedom to adjust spindle angles and positions. This angular adjustment mechanism provides positioning flexibility while maintaining compact dimensions and high stiffness, as the spindles remain closely supported by the machine structure throughout their range of motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for processing gears, such as by testing and lapping, which can accommodate a wide range of gear pair shaft angles (less than, equal to, and greater than ninety degrees) while providing improved machine stiffness and an enhanced arrangement of machine elements. The machine having a base portion (4) integral with a stationary column (6). An inclined bed portion (8) is also located on the base portion (4). A second spindle (20) is movably mounted to the inclined bed portion (8) and is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis B.