A Rapid and Inexpensive Method for Finding the Basic Parameters of Involute Helical Gears

Abstract

The paper proposes a rapid, straightforward, and inexpensive method for finding the basic parameters of helical gears with an involute profile. The basic parameters envisaged are the normal module, normal profile shift coefficient, and the helix angle. The proposed method uses balls introduced between the teeth and, thus, the contact with the measuring device surfaces is of the point type, and the centres of the balls are positioned symmetrically with respect to the measuring direction. The condition that the centre of the ball occupies an imposed position is mandatory. Additionally, there is the condition of the positions of the contact points between the balls and the flanks of the teeth. Two sets of balls of different sizes are necessary for a measurement. The conditions of the balls’ positioning lead to a system of five unknowns. The methodology of solving the system is detailed and the method is exemplified for an actual helical gear. The new proposed method is based on the distance over pins but, using balls, presents the following advantages: It can be applied equally to all gears, regardless of the odd or even number of teeth. Furthermore, the dimension to be measured is singular compared to the dimension over pins when a maximum value must be found from several measurements.