Luminescent Contrast Agent for Automated Gear Tooth Contact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gear testing methods require manual observation of tooth contact, which hinders automation and introduces contamination issues due to the use of marking compounds.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a luminescent contrast agent mixed with transmission oil, applied to gear tooth surfaces, which is removed during rolling to reveal tooth contact patterns visible under UV light, enabling automated image recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional marking compound is used to visualize tooth contact, then the contact pattern becomes visible, but manual observation is required and the compound contaminates the lubricating oil

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated test capabilityVSAvoidcontamination of lubricating oil

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses luminescent contrast agents that change their optical properties under UV illumination. The agent remains invisible under normal lighting but fluoresces brightly under UV light, enabling automated camera detection of tooth contact patterns without contaminating the gear oil with visible marking compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. A UV light source illuminates the gear surfaces and a camera with appropriate filters automatically captures and processes the luminescent contact patterns, eliminating the need for manual observation and enabling full automation of the testing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If marking compound is applied to visualize contact in multiple shaft positions, then comprehensive testing is possible, but cleaning and re-coating must be repeated for each position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-position testing capabilityVSAvoidcleaning and re-coating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The luminescent contrast agent remains on the gear surfaces throughout the entire multi-position testing sequence without requiring removal or reapplication. The agent continuously provides visible contact patterns under UV illumination across all shaft positions, eliminating the repeated cleaning and re-coating steps required by conventional marking compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The luminescent contrast agent self-persists on the gear surfaces without requiring external intervention for removal or reapplication. The agent automatically continues to provide detection capability across multiple test positions, eliminating the need for operator intervention to clean and re-apply marking compound between positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If automated brush application of marking compound is used, then automation is improved, but the system cannot handle cleaning and re-coating operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking compound applicationVSAvoidcleaning and re-coating capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful properties of conventional marking compounds (visibility under normal light, requirement for frequent reapplication) by using a luminescent contrast agent that is invisible under normal lighting and persists throughout the entire testing sequence. This extraction allows the automated brush system to function without needing to handle cleaning and re-coating operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for fully automated gear testing without manual intervention, reduces contamination, and provides accurate, repeatable measurements of tooth contact patterns.

Implementation Method 1

The luminescent contrast agent is excited by ultraviolet light to emit visible light, making the tooth contact patterns visible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

A camera, including, as necessary, a filter for certain light wave frequencies, obtains an image which shows the areas with and without luminescent contrast agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12332138B2Recognition of tooth contact with a luminescent agent

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 THE GLEASON WORKS

AI summary

A method of applying a contrast agent, such as a luminescent contrast agent (e.g. fluorescent, phosphorescent) to the tooth flank surfaces (3, 4) of a gearset (1, 2) wherein the luminescent contrast agent is mixed with transmission oil and is preferably invisible to the human eye. While the members of the gearset roll together, the contrast agent-oil mixture (6) is first introduced into the mesh of the rolling gears. While the mixture is squeezed through the tooth contact, most of the oil is removed in the area of tooth contact. A camera (15), including, as necessary, a filter for certain light wave frequencies, obtains an image which shows the areas with and without luminescent contrast agent. The area (10) where the luminescent contrast agent has been partially or completely removed represents the zone of the tooth contact.