Showing papers on "Pinion published in 2007"

Multi-speed transmission

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.

A rack-and-pinion device at the molecular scale

Abstract: Molecular machines, and in particular molecular motors with synthetic molecular structures and fuelled by external light, voltage or chemical conversions, have recently been reported. Most of these experiments are carried out in solution with a large ensemble of molecules and without access to one molecule at a time, a key point for future use of single molecular machines with an atomic scale precision. Therefore, to experiment on a single molecule-machine, this molecule has to be adsorbed on a surface, imaged and manipulated with the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). A few experiments of this type have described molecular mechanisms in which a rotational movement of a single molecule is involved. However, until now, only uncontrolled rotations or indirect signatures of a rotation have been reported. In this work, we present a molecular rack-and-pinion device for which an STM tip drives a single pinion molecule at low temperature. The pinion is a 1.8-nm-diameter molecule functioning as a six-toothed wheel interlocked at the edge of a self-assembled molecular island acting as a rack. We monitor the rotation of the pinion molecule tooth by tooth along the rack by a chemical tag attached to one of its cogs.

A Model for the Prediction of Churning Losses in Geared Transmissions—Preliminary Results

Abstract: A series of formulas are presented which enable accurate predictions of churning losses for one pinion characteristic of automotive transmission geometry The results are based on dimensional analysis and have been experimentally validated over a wide range of speeds, gear geometries, lubricants, and immersion depths The case of a pinion-gear pair in mesh has been considered, and it has been proved that, depending on the sense of rotation, the superposition of the individual losses of the pinion and of the gear leads to erroneous figures A new formula devoted to a pinion and gear rotating anticlockwise has been derived and validated by comparison with experimental evidence

Multi-speed transmission

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is selectively interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Internal Gear Strains and Load Sharing in Planetary Transmissions: Model and Experiments

Abstract: This paper presents results of a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study to determine the influence of certain key factors in planetary transmissions on gear stresses and planetary load sharing. A series of tests are conducted on a family of planetary gear sets, and strains are recorded at various locations on the outer diameter and gear tooth fillet of the ring gear. Pinion position errors are introduced as a representative key manufacturing tolerance, and the resultant changes in the planetary behavior are observed. The experimental data is compared to the predictions of a state-of-the-art multi-body contact analysis model — ‘Gear System Analysis Modules’ (GSAM). This model is capable of including the influences of a number of system-level variables and quantifying their impact on gear strains. The model predictions are shown to compare well with the measured strain at the ring gear outer diameter and tooth fillet. GSAM predictions of planet load sharing are then used to quantify the influence of pin hole position errors on the 3, 4, 5, and 6 planet test gear sets. These predictions also agree well with the planet load sharing experiments presented in a companion paper [20].Copyright © 2007 by ASME and General Motors

Noncontact racK and pinion powered by the lateral Casimir force.

Abstract: The lateral Casimir force is employed to propose a design for a potentially wear-proof rack and pinion with no contact, which can be miniaturized to the nanoscale. The robustness of the design is studied by exploring the relation between the pinion velocity and the rack velocity in the different domains of the parameter space. The effects of friction and added external load are also examined. It is shown that the device can hold up extremely high velocities, unlike what the general perception of the Casimir force as a weak interaction might suggest.

Load Distribution in Spiral Bevel Gears

Abstract: A new approach for the computerized simulation of load distribution in mismatched spiral bevel gears with point contact is presented. The loaded tooth contact is treated in a special way: it is assumed that the point contact under load spreads over a surface along the "potential" contact line (Simon, 2006, Mech. and Machine Theory, in press), which line is made up of the points of the mating tooth surfaces in which the separations of these surfaces are minimal, instead of assuming the usually applied elliptical contact area. The bending and shearing deflections of gear teeth, the local contact deformations of mating surfaces, gear body bending and torsion, the deflections of supporting shafts, and the manufacturing and alignment errors of mating members are included. The tooth deflections of the pinion and gear teeth are calculated by the finite element method. As the equations governing the load sharing among the engaged tooth pairs and load distribution along the tooth face are nonlinear, an approximate and iterative technique is used to solve this system of equations. The method is implemented by a computer program. By using this program the load and tooth contact pressure distributions, the angular displacements of the driven gear and the stresses in the pinion and gear teeth are calculated. The influence of design data and transmitted torque on load distribution parameters and fillet stresses is investigated and discussed.

Differential and bearing arrangement

Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing with a pair of bearing journals, a differential assembly disposed between the bearing journals, a pair of differential bearings and a pair of hollow adjusters that can be threaded into the bearing journals to preload the differential bearings and control gear lash between a pinion and a ring gear. Retaining members can be non-rotatably engage to the hollow adjusters and can be press-fit into counterbores in the outboard sides of the bearing journals. The axle housing can include an unitarily formed differential housing with a body and an axle tube structure, and a first axle tube that can be discretely formed and coupled to the body.

A Static and Dynamic Model of Geared Transmissions by Combining Substructures and Elastic Foundations—Applications to Thin-Rimmed Gears

Abstract: The present work is aimed at predicting the static and dynamic behavior of geared transmissions comprising flexible components. The proposed model adopts a hybrid approach, combining classical beam elements, elastic foundations for the simulation of tooth contacts, and substructures derived from three-dimensional (3D) finite element grids for thin-rimmed gears and their supporting shafts. The pinion shaft and body are modeled via beam elements which simulate bending, torsion and traction. Tooth contact deflections are described using time-varying elastic foundations (Pasternak foundations) connected by independent contact stiffness. In order to account for thin-rimmed gears, a 3D finite element model of the gear (excluding teeth) is set up and a pseudo-modal reduction technique is used prior to solving the equations of motion. Depending on the gear structure, the results reveal a potentially significant influence of thin rims on both quasi-static and dynamic tooth loading.

Reflective multi-turn encoder

Abstract: A reflective optical encoder for a gear train. The reflective optical encoder includes a gear train with a plurality of gears. Each of the gears is operably coupled to at least one other gear of the plurality of gears. A reflective code pattern is accessible on a surface of at least one of the gears. A reflective optical sensor detects light reflected by the reflective code pattern. Position logic coupled to the optical sensor determines a rotational parameter of the gear train based on the light reflected by the reflective code pattern. Additionally, the position logic may determine rotational parameter of a pinion coupled to the gear train based on the rotational parameter of the gear train.

Snap-in bearing rack and pinion system

Abstract: A snap-in rack and pinion stabilizing system for a cabinet drawer including first and second slide assemblies mounted in the cabinet, a rack gear connected to each of the first and second slide assemblies, and spaced mounting brackets connected to the drawer having opposite sides and a bottom edge. The rack and pinion stabilizing system also includes a snap-on pinion gear assembly including a shaft, first and second pinion gears mounted on opposite ends of the shaft, and first and second bearing brackets. The bearing brackets rotatably support the shaft and are arranged to snap-in to latch surfaces on the mounting brackets with the pinion gears engaging the rack gears.

Rectification of the lateral Casimir force in a vibrating noncontact rack and pinion.

Abstract: The nonlinear dynamics of a cylindrical pinion that is kept at a distance from a vibrating rack is studied, and it is shown that the lateral Casimir force between the two corrugated surfaces can be rectified. The effects of friction and external load are taken into account, and it is shown that the pinion can do work against loads of up to a critical value, which is set by the amplitude of the lateral Casimir force. We present a phase diagram for the rectified motion that could help its experimental investigations, as the system exhibits a chaotic behavior in a large part of the parameter space.

Steering rack wear compensator

Abstract: A wear compensator for use in a vehicle rack and pinion steering assembly and a method of biasing a rack against a pinion shaft gear in a rack and pinion steering assembly are disclosed. The wear compensator may include a rack follower, an adjuster plug, a wear cam and a torsion spring. The rack follower slides on the rack. The adjuster plug is retained by the steering gear housing and includes a plug cam surface. The wear cam includes a wear cam surface operatively engaging the plug cam surface, is mounted between the rack follower and the adjuster plug, and can rotate relative to the adjuster plug. The torsion spring connects between the adjuster plug and the wear cam in order to rotatably bias the wear cam relative to the adjuster plug.

Robust Yaw Stability Controller Design for a Light Commercial Vehicle Using a Hardware in the Loop Steering Test Rig

Abstract: This paper is on designing a multi-objective, robust parameter space steering controller for yaw stability improvement of a light commercial vehicle and its testing on a hardware-in-the-loop steering test rig. A linear single track model of the light commercial vehicle is used for controller design while its nonlinear version is used during hardware-in-the-loop simulations. The multi-objective design method used here maps D-stability, mixed sensitivity and phase margin bounds into the parameter space of chosen disturbance observer based steering controller filter parameters. The resulting controller design is tested using offline and hardware-in-the-loop simulations. A hardware-in-the-loop simulation test rig with the actual rack and pinion mechanism of the light commercial vehicle under study was built for this purpose. The steering control actuator is placed on the second pinion of the double pinion steering test system used. The hardware and geometry of the steering test rig are identical to the implementation of the steering system in the test vehicle. Unnecessary and expensive road testing is avoided with this approach as most problems are identified and solved in the hardware-in-the-loop simulation phase conducted in the laboratory where the steering subsystem and its controller exist as hardware and the rest of the vehicle being implemented exists as real time capable software. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation results show the effectiveness of the controller design proposed in this paper in tracking desired steering dynamics and in rejecting yaw disturbance moments.

Plantary Transmission Having Double Helical Teeth

Abstract: A planetary gear set includes a sun gear including a first set of gear teeth having a helix angle and second set of gear teeth formed as a single unit with the first set of gear teeth and having a second helix angle of opposite hand relative to the first helix angle. A ring gear includes a third set of gear teeth having a third helix angle, and fourth set of gear teeth and having a fourth helix angle of opposite hand relative to the third helix angle. Planet pinions, each include a fifth set of gear teeth having a fifth helix angle, and sixth set of gear teeth formed as a single unit with the fifth set of gear teeth and having a sixth helix angle of opposite hand relative to the fifth helix angle.

Air valve and method of use

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.

A FEM Study of the Bending Strength of Circular Fillet Gear Teeth Compared to Trochoidal Fillets Produced with Enlarged Cutter Tip Radius

Abstract: Circular fillet (CF) gears have been proven to possess a higher bending strength than their standard trochoidal fillet (TF) counterparts. However, stronger nonstandard variants of the TF are already possible to produce by increasing the tip radius of the cutters used for gear generation (racks, hobs, pinion cutters), affording competitive results. In this paper a comparison of the bending strength is made between the CF and the nonstandard large tip radius TF designs spanning the entire usable tooth number range using FEA. The results suggest a systematic advantage of the CF over the stronger variants of the TF for numbers less than 17 teeth, which is the undercut limit for the 20° involute gear system.

Tools for implantation and extraction of posteriorly placed lumbar articial discs including: a totally wireless electronically embedded action-ended endoscope utilizing differential directional illumination with digitally controlled mirrors and/or prisms, and a disc ball inserter , a plate extractor, and rescue disc plates

Abstract: A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a body having a proximal end, which is hand manipulated, and a distal end which includes a manipulator. A light emitting device is centrally disposed at the distal end. An imaging device is centrally disposed at the distal end for imaging at least a portion of the region illuminated by the light emitting device. Also disclosed is a tool for extracting an artificial lumbar disc from between a pair of vertebral plates. The extraction tool includes a handle, a member for transmitting force, and a sharpened end, specially configured to be placed between the artificial disc and the vertebral plate. Further disclosed is a tool for implanting or explanting a ball to or from an artificial lumbar disc. The implanter/explanter includes a pinion shaft and a pinion shaft enclosure. A tightening knob is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft enclosure and coupled to the pinion shaft. A pinion is disposed at the distal end of the pinion shaft. A grappling device is disposed at the pinion, and it includes a pair of semi-circular rings. When the pinion is rotated, the semi-circular rings move relative to one another and are capable of grasping or releasing the ball.

Compact knife head assembly, bearing and eccentric for a sickle drive for a header of an agricultural plant cutting machine

Abstract: A compact epicyclic drive includes a pinion rotatable about a ring gear and an eccentric element fixedly connected to the pinion so as to be rotated thereby, a knife head bearing supported on and extending around the eccentric element, and a knife head assembly connected in driving relation to a sickle knife assembly. The knife head assembly includes an element supported on and extending around the knife head bearing and configured so as to transfer sidewardly directed components of rotations of the eccentric element into sideward reciprocating movements of the sickle knife assembly. The eccentric element, knife head bearing, and knife head assembly are generally flat and axially coextensive, contributing to the compactness of the drive. The sickle drive is adapted to incorporated into or beneath a floor or pan of a header of an agricultural harvesting machine.

Wave-power system and method for generating energy at constant rotational speed at variable significant wave heights and periods

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system or device is provided which includes a hull that serves as a float, moving up and down with incoming waves. The power take-off system contained within the hull comprises a longitudinal main rotary shaft upon which a series different diameter sets of dual same-diameter pinions interact with the main rotary shaft through their corresponding freewheels. This interaction only allows the main rotary shaft to rotate in only one direction. A fork-like rod system member that is either fixed directly to a base on the seabed or to a supporting underwater taut moored floating platform. This fork-like rod system member has an alternate rod in permanent contact with each pinion (two rods per each set of dual same-diameter pinions). The device also is capable of self-adjusting its mechanical properties and orientation to take into account the predominant wave frequency and direction over a period of time in a practical way to provide continuous, or multiple level, tuning of the system and is self-orienting for maximum and minimum energy absorption depending on sea conditions.

Optimization of asymmetric spur gear drives for maximum bending strength using direct gear design method

Abstract: Two procedures to optimize a given asymmetric gear drive have been developed through direct gear design method. Considering several sets of the addendum pressure angles of pinion and gear for a required contact ratio, first the nonstandard rack cutters and subsequently the asymmetric tooth profiles of pinion and gear are generated for each set. FEM analysis has been carried out to determine maximum fillet stress in pinion and gear at each set. The set of profiles that develops an equal and possible lowest minimum of the maximum fillet stress at its respective fillet is considered as the optimum one for a maximum load carrying capacity. In this connection, the influence of speed ratio, asymmetric factor, number of teeth, and center distance on the maximum fillet stress is also studied.

8-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle

Abstract: An eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a single pinion planetary gear set, a double pinion planetary gear set, a compound planetary gear set, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and a one-way clutch. The first and third clutches are disposed in series or in parallel between the compound planetary gear set and the output shaft. A first clutch piston chamber for operating the first clutch is disposed between the third clutch internal diameter and the input shaft. A third clutch piston chamber for operating the third clutch is disposed between the first clutch piston chamber and the output shaft. The second and fourth clutches are disposed between the compound planetary gear set and the double pinion planetary gear set. Thus, the overall volume of the automatic transmission may be reduced.

Methods and systems for turning rotary components within rotary machines

Abstract: A method and apparatus of turning rotary components of a rotary machine having a brake disc includes providing a turning gear assembly. The turning gear assembly includes a gear plate, a pinion gear and a gear motor coupled to the pinion gear. The method also includes coupling the turning gear assembly within the rotary machine using the gear plate such that the pinion gear engages with the brake disc, detecting a motion of the rotary machine, and rotating the brake disc using the pinion gear based on the detected motion.

Pinion bearing unit

Abstract: The invention refers to a bearing unit for supporting a pinion shaft (8) having at one side a pinion head (8a) and which bearing unit is incorporating a taper roller bearing (1) and an angular ball bearing (5) having a common outer race ring (2), and having separate inner race rings for the taper roller bearing (1a) and for the angular ball bearing (5a), which inner race rings (1a, 5a) are spaced apart a distance along the pinion shaft, wherein the taper roller bearing (1) has a contact angle (α) from 15° to 20°; for absorbing mainly the radial force component of the tooth force at the pinion head and the one-row angular ball bearing (5) has a contact angle (β) of between 35° and 45° for absorbing mainly the axial force coming from the gear mesh and that induced by the taper roller bearing.

Device having a first gearing part for meshing with a second gearing part, in particular a starting device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, and method of operating such a device

Abstract: Device having a first gearing part (23) for meshing with a second gearing part (26), in particular a starting device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine (29), characterized in that there is at least one means (56, 10 53, 45) which can determine a motion state of the first gearing part (23) and a motion state of the second gearing part (26). Method of operating a device (20) having a first gearing part (23) for meshing with a second gearing part (26), in particular a starting device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine (29), characterized in that there is at least one means (56, 53, 45) which determines a motion state of the first gearing part (23) and a motion state of the second gearing part (26).

Opening and closing apparatus with lock

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing apparatus with lock with a simple and compact arrangement that enables secure locking of slide- apart type sliding doors and enables opening and closing and closed locking of the sliding doors to be performed with a single actuator. An opening and closing apparatus with lock includes: a rack and pinion mechanism, for opening and closing a pair of slide-apart type sliding doors; an actuator, functioning as an opening/closing drive source; a locking mechanism enabling to lock the sliding doors in a fully closed position by constraining movements of locking members, fixed to the respective sliding doors; a switching mechanism for the locking mechanism; and a planetary gear mechanism, into which a driving force of the actuator is input and which is enabled to output the driving force to the pinion and to the switching mechanism. When the sliding doors are in the fully closed position, the driving force is output to the switching mechanism.

Ground interface for a vehicle

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a ground interface for a vehicle, comprising a wheel (1), a sliding suspension for a wheel carrier with respect to a support (10) connected to the vehicle, the suspension comprising a substantially vertical pillar (8) secured to the wheel carrier, the degree of freedom of suspension of the wheel carrier with respect to the support (10) being allowed by the movement of the pillar in guide means (11) connected to the support, and means for driving the wheel using a first rotating electric machine (15) mounted in the wheel, the first electric machine driving the wheel via reversible reduction means, the reduction means comprising an annulus gear (16) secured to the wheel and a drive pinion (17) connected to the first machine and defining a reduction ratio between the rotational speed of the first machine and the rotational speed of the wheel, the reduction ratio being greater than 10, said ground interface not being provided with a mechanical service brake.

Compact epicyclical drive

Abstract: An epicyclical drive having a generally flat, disk shaped flywheel, a flywheel to pinion carrier in the form of an inner hub of the flywheel, and a flywheel support bearing and structure incorporated into the flywheel itself, all of which are concentric about a rotational axis of the flywheel so as to be axially compact, and so as to be particularly well adapted for being located beneath, or incorporated into, the floor of a grain header of an agricultural harvesting machine, for reciprocatingly driving knife knives of a sickle thereof In particular, the flywheel support bearing is located in an annular space between the inner hub and an outer flange which is rotated by a belt or other drive for rotating the flywheel