Optimization of bevel gear parameters

Abstract

Design problems, and especially the improvement of mechanical drives, take one of the most important places in modern mechanical engineering. Various drives are now very widespread, which include mechanical reducers very often. This work examines in detail the issue of optimizing bevel gears, which are used when it is necessary to transmit motion at a certain angle (usually 90°). Goal. The purpose of the work is to determine the optimal (rational) parameters of the bevel gear from the point of view of reducing its mass and dimensions. That is, it is necessary to obtain the dependence of the mass of the transmission (gear wheels) on its gear ratios. Methodology. To solve the problem, the modern parametric design system "Autodesk Inventor Professional" is used in this work. To obtain dependencies, it is necessary to choose the most common types of bevel gears, so it is also important to perform a brief analysis of bevel gear types. Results. As a result of the study, it was found that gear ratios of 4 or more are the most optimal for gears with circular teeth, and for spur bevel gears, gear ratios from 3.15 to 5 are the most optimal. The lower weight of a gear with circular teeth can be explained by its greater load capacity (approximately 1.5 times). Originality. The originality of the approach lies in addressing a rather complex optimization problem not through the development of intricate analytical models and their subsequent analysis, but by performing 3D modeling in the solid modeling environment "Autodesk Inventor Professional" using built-in functions, followed by processing of the obtained results. Practical value. Modern trends in the development of various mechanical drives are primarily focused on reducing their mass and dimensions. As the dimensions of the transmission decrease, the dimensions of other parts and components also decrease, and accordingly, their cost. The use of the obtained optimal gear ratios enables the design of transmission components with reduced geometric dimensions at the early stages of development.