Gear Machining with Variable Axis Crossing for Complex Toothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gear machining methods lack flexibility in modifying gear geometry, particularly in changing the tooth thickness and flank line shape, as the axis crossing angle is predetermined by the helix angle of the tool and workpiece, limiting the ability to produce complex geometries like conical and asymmetrical toothing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves changing the axis crossing angle and center distance during machining, allowing for independent adjustment of tooth thickness and flank line shape, enabling the production of conical and asymmetrical toothing by varying the axis crossing angle and center distance, and correcting the rolling coupling to achieve desired tooth geometry modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the axis crossing angle is predetermined by the helix angle of the tool and workpiece, then the machining process is simple and stable, but the flexibility in modifying gear geometry is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in modifying gear geometryVSAvoidcomplexity of controlling axis crossing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the axis crossing angle variable during the machining process. Instead of maintaining a fixed axis crossing angle predetermined by helix angles, the system dynamically adjusts the axis crossing angle according to the workpiece width position, enabling flexible modification of gear geometry including conical and asymmetrical toothing while managing complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axis crossing angle is changed during machining, then complex geometries like conical and asymmetrical toothing can be produced, but the machining process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce complex geometriesVSAvoidcomplexity of machining process control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the axis crossing angle during the machining process based on the workpiece width position, enabling the production of complex geometries such as conical and asymmetrical toothing. This dynamic control is managed through coordinated movement of the tool and workpiece, integrating the angle variation into the existing machining framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the axis crossing angle as a controllable parameter during machining. This allows the generation of complex gear geometries by modifying the kinematic parameters of the tool-workpiece interaction, specifically by changing the angle between the tool axis and workpiece axis during the generating process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach provides a higher degree of freedom in gear machining, enabling the production of complex geometries such as conical and asymmetrical toothing with precise control over tooth thickness and flank line shape, enhancing the versatility of gear cutting processes.

Implementation Method 1

the rotational movements of the tool and workpiece are coupled in such a way that the toothing of the tool rolls on the toothing of the workpiece, the so-called rolling coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling coupling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3242176B1Method for cogging a workpiece
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 LIEBHER VERZAHNTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3242176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3242176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3242176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention shows a method for gear-machining a workpiece using a tool on a gear-cutting machine, the workpiece being machined by a generating method in which the tool for gear-machining rolls on the workpiece with a predetermined center distance and cross-axis angle. The invention is characterized in that the axis crossing angle is changed during the machining of a workpiece.