Segmented Helical Gear Structure for Low-Noise Torque Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing segmented gear wheels with straight teeth generate significant noise during operation due to the design limitations, which can lead to tooth breakage and reduced load-bearing capacity.

Innovation Solution

A helical gear wheel composed of segments with a spline portion and a retainer portion, where the spline portion is truncated along a tooth space, allowing for low-noise torque transmission without direct force transmission between adjacent segments, using connecting surfaces that extend only in radial and axial directions, and made from ADI for high resilience and strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If segmented gear wheels with straight teeth are used, then the gear can be manufactured in segments, but significant noise is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegmented manufacturingVSAvoidnoise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gear wheel is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. Each segment contains toothed sections with helical teeth, and the segments are connected through retaining sections with connecting surfaces. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing while the helical tooth design reduces noise generation during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs helical teeth with a curved helix angle instead of straight teeth. The helical configuration creates a gradual engagement of teeth along the helix path, resulting in smoother and quieter operation compared to straight teeth that engage abruptly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If helical teeth are used on segmented gear, then torque can be transmitted quietly, but the segments require precise connection to prevent tooth breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidsegment connection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The toothed section and retaining section are merged into a single integrated component manufactured in one piece. This ensures high load-bearing capacity and precise relative positioning of bore holes to gear teeth, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these sections while maintaining the noise-reducing helical tooth design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining section acts as an intermediary component that connects adjacent segments through connecting surfaces. The connecting surfaces are designed to extend only in radial and axial directions, providing precise alignment and stable connection between segments, thereby preventing tooth breakage while enabling quiet helical gear operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If segments are connected with direct force transmission between toothed sections, then structural simplicity is maintained, but noise increases and load-bearing capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidnoise and load limitations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission function is extracted from the toothed sections and relocated to the retaining sections. The connecting surfaces on the retaining sections are designed to handle all force transmission between segments, while the toothed sections are spaced apart without direct force transmission. This separation reduces noise and improves load-bearing capacity by preventing stress concentration on the teeth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2739881B2Gear having helical gearing and segment for a gear
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2739881B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2739881B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2739881B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gear having helical gearing and a segment for a gear that is composed of segments, wherein each segment comprises a toothed portion having helical gearing, wherein the toothed portion is connected to a retaining section.