Single Flank Test, Structure-Borne Noise Analysis and Digital Imaging of Tooth Contact

Abstract

Abstract The innovative new measuring and testing machine is not only a high-precision measurement for the laboratory, but also a 100% inspection tool for the production environment or for quality control. It is incorrect to currently assume that a production tester can be less precise and should be without advanced measurement and analysis features. Today’s quality standards demand a full-featured production test machine, which brings lab-testing abilities to the shop floor. The laboratory investigation can establish the combination of criteria to be fulfilled by an individual gear set in order to pass acceptance in the vehicle. This can include requirements related to tooth contact, structure-borne noise emission or single flank variations. It is not necessarily evident, beforehand, if criteria for all three test types can be established or are even mandatory. It is quite possible, for instance, that the analysis of vibrations a gear set transmits to the spindle housing of the testing machine does not reveal a correlation with the noise in the vehicle. The noise levels of a “quiet” gear set may well be higher on the testing machine than those of a “loud” gear. In this case, the single flank test or a combination of single flank test and structure-borne noise analysis will provide a criterion for testing. All options and features described are equally important in both laboratory and production use. Specific software and electronic hardware components for single flank testing and structure-borne noise analyses are and commanded by the part program executed in the machine controller. The use of the video equipment on the tester can recognize and evaluate the contact position.