9 - Summary of results of research work

Abstract

This chapter discusses the analytical and numerical results of the theoretical investigations and the experience drawn from the manufacturing and assessment processes of worm gear drives. By applying the newly developed method, the CNC grinding wheel profile is appropriate to back generation from the worm-generated profile. This guarantees independence from wheel truing (diameter changes), which in equivalent helicoid surfaces results from wrapping. The CNC grinding wheel generating device is the key element of the GAD/CAM/CAQ integration, which creates the future possibility of a grinding manufacturing cell to combine into a CIM system. The mechanically operated device developed for wheel truing can be applied with an advantage in the mass production too. Using the device, the cutting edge radius can be manufactured within the usual range of mechanical engineering. The results reveal that the efficiency of the manufactured drives is significantly better than the drives with ruled convolute surfaces. Moreover, the method for measurement and testing of geometric sizes of helicoidal surfaces is suitable for application in any firm equipped with a 3D-measuring machine. Finally, the relative positions and displacement of the coordinate systems, with correct choice of parameters, are capable of modeling different worm gear drives independent of their profile or basic form.