Involute Helical Gear Profile of Path of Contact Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gear measurement instruments lack the capability to accurately measure the profile of the path of contact (PPC) of involute helical cylindrical gears, which is crucial for assessing gear quality, transmission performance, and machining precision, as existing methods focus on involute and helix measurements only.

Innovation Solution

A four-axis control method for measuring the PPC, where the probe moves synchronously along the tangential, radial, and axial directions within the tangent plane of the base cylinder, allowing for precise tracking of the PPC trajectory, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional two-axis control methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional two-axis control method is used for gear measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy of PPC is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePPC measurement accuracyVSAvoidcontrol method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-axis control method to a four-axis control method by adding two measurement dimensions. The probe now moves not only in the tangential direction but also synchronously in the radial and axial directions, enabling three-dimensional tracking of the PPC trajectory on the gear tooth surface. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive PPC measurement capability while maintaining systematic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing gear measurement instruments are used, then the instruments are available, but they lack PPC measurement function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement function coverageVSAvoidPPC measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the functionality of existing gear measurement instruments by integrating PPC measurement capability alongside traditional involute and helix measurement functions. The four-axis control system enables the same instrument to perform multiple measurement tasks (involute profile, helix angle, and PPC trajectory) without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thus achieving multi-functionality and resolving the contradiction between instrument availability and PPC measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If probe moves only in tangential direction, then the measurement setup is simple, but the PPC trajectory cannot be accurately tracked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePPC trajectory tracking accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements synchronous control of the probe's radial and axial movements based on real-time gear rotation position feedback. The control system continuously monitors the gear's rotational angle and uses this feedback to coordinate the probe's three-dimensional movement along the PPC trajectory. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate trajectory tracking while automating the complex coordination of multiple axes, resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11971324B2Method for checking or testing the profile of the path of contact of involute helical cylindrical gears
Publication Date: 2024.04.30 BEIJING UNIV OF TECH
  • US11971324B2 patent drawing
  • US11971324B2 patent drawing
  • US11971324B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for checking or testing the profile of the path of contact of involute helical cylindrical gears is disclosed. The crossed helical gear transmits motion through the profile of the path of contact, and checking or testing the profile of the path of contact can reflect the transmission quality and working stability of the gear and the actual motion condition. In the gear hobbing, the grinding, the shaving and other generating machining, the movement of tools and gears is achieved based on the profile of the path of contact, and controlling the profile of the path of contact has unique advantages in controlling the quality of gear processing.