Symbolic Notation of Planetary Gear Trains by Canonical Number Approach (Max Code)

Abstract

In the present work, the concept of ‘Max Code’ approach is used for establishing identification code of planetary gear spur trains. Such a representation provides an expression rather than an unique number. An attempt is made here to establish these expressions for distinct single and two degrees of freedom planetary gear trains. The concept of maximum code (Max Code), as a canonical number is to introduce a symbolic notation for describing two degrees of freedom spur planetary gear trains with the configuration of two central gears, one carrier or arm and at least one planet gear. Properties of canonical number, relevant to kinematic chains, are discussed and an algorithm based on one available in graph theoretic literature exemplifying for establishment of maximum codes of planetary gear-trains. The maximum code being unique and decodable and promises in cataloguing (store and retrieval) of planetary gear trains.