Spring-Loaded Idler Gear Assembly for Precise Backlash Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adjustment of backlash in gear transmissions with multiple meshing gears is time-consuming and costly due to the need for external actuators to apply precise forces, which can also risk damaging coatings on the gears.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled gear wheel-bearing element-spring element unit is used, where the spring element is designed as a sleeve or hyperboloid to simplify assembly and centering, allowing the third gear to be pressed against other gears without external force, and can be connected to a nut for precise positioning, enabling flexible contact pressure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external actuators are used to press the third gear against other gears for backlash adjustment, then precise force application is achieved, but assembly time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-installed on the bearing pin before the third gear is mounted. This preliminary action ensures that the force application mechanism is already in place, eliminating the need for external actuators during assembly and reducing assembly time while maintaining precise backlash adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically applies the necessary force to press the third gear against the other gears through its elastic recovery. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, reducing both assembly time and complexity while maintaining precise backlash control
2Manufacturing precision
If external actuators are used to apply precise force for backlash adjustment, then tooth flank play can be adjusted, but the risk of damaging coatings on gears increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-installed on the bearing pin before the third gear is mounted. This allows the gear to be pushed on without load, preventing coating damage, while the spring element subsequently applies the necessary force for precise backlash adjustment without requiring external actuators that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically applies the necessary force to press the third gear against the other gears through its elastic recovery. This self-service mechanism applies force gradually and controllably, eliminating the risk of sudden force application that could damage gear coatings while achieving precise tooth flank play adjustment
3Ease of manufacture
If a bearing bolt is fixed rigidly in the housing, then assembly is simple, but backlash adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The force application function is separated from the bearing bolt by introducing a spring element. The bearing bolt provides simple rigid support for easy assembly, while the spring element provides the adjustable force necessary for backlash adjustment, dividing the functions to resolve the contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element introduces dynamic force application capability to the otherwise static bearing bolt assembly. The spring can be pre-compressed to different degrees, allowing adjustable backlash while maintaining the simple rigid mounting structure of the bearing bolt in the housing
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 solution simplifies the adjustment of tooth flank play, reduces assembly time and costs, and prevents damage to coatings by allowing the third gear to mesh unloaded, improving precision and noise behavior in gear transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
With the help of the spring element, the third gear is pressed against the other two gears
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a gear transmission (1) comprising a first gear wheel (2) having a first tooth system (5), a second gear wheel (3) having a second tooth system (7) and a third gear wheel (4) having a third tooth system (9), wherein the third gear wheel (4) is arranged between the first and the second gear wheel (2, 3) and the third tooth system (9) intermeshingly engages with the first and the second tooth system (5, 7), wherein furthermore the third gear wheel (4) is rotatably mounted on a bearing pin (11) by means of a bearing element (12), and the bearing pin (11) extends through an opening (16) in a wall (17). The bearing pin (11) is permanently radially fixed in the opening (16) of the wall (17). A spring element (21) is arranged between the bearing pin (11) and the bearing element (12).