Optimization of Machine Tool Settings for Spirac Hypoid Gears by Controlling Symmetry of Contact Paths

Abstract

Abstract A new method is developed for computing the machine tool settings for Spirac hypoid gears by controlling the symmetry of contact paths on the concave and convex tooth surfaces of the gear. By modifying the angular setting of the head cutter when cutting the pinion, the direction angles of the two contact paths are equated to estimate their symmetry. The relation between the direction angles is formulated precisely, the influence of the angular setting on the contact paths is investigated, and the equations for obtaining the values of the machine tool settings are derived. The proposed method is applied to a numerical example of a Spirac hypoid gear pair, and the results reveal that the contact paths on the concave and convex tooth surfaces are approximately symmetrical and the transmission errors of both sides are comparable.