Generation of Noncircular Bevel Gears With Free-Form Tooth Profile and Curvilinear Tooth Lengthwise

Abstract

Noncircular bevel gear is applied to intersecting axes, realizing given function of transmission ratio. Currently, researches are focused mainly on gear with involute tooth profile and straight tooth lengthwise, while that with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise are seldom touched upon. Based on screw theory and equal arc-length mapping method, this paper proposes a generally applicable generating method for noncircular bevel gear with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise, covering instant screw axis, conjugate pitch surface, as well as the generator with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise. Further, the correctness of the proposed method is verified through illustrations of computerized design.