Know about gear transmission torque

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1. Gear functions

Here is the list of gear functions for mechanism designs. (Table 3-1)

Table 3-1 Gear functions

Characteristic functions of gears	Explanation
Change direction of rotating shaft	(already explained)
Convert rotary motion to linear motion	(already explained)
Change rotational direction (clockwise / counterclockwise)	(already explained)
Change the number of rotations (speed up / down)	(already explained)
Change turning force (increase / decrease torque)	See this chapter

You can increase or decrease a gear’s torque (turning force) by changing the number of rotations.

2. Definition of torque (turning force)

Torque is the turning force when load F (N) is applied at a distance L (mm) away from the center of rotation. Torque T is expressed as the following formula in N・mm (Newton millimeter). (Figure 3-1)

Figure 3-1 Torque

Torque T becomes larger as L (the distance from the center of rotation) becomes longer even if load F is small. On the other hand, torque T becomes larger as load F is increased even if L (the distance from the center of rotation) is short.
In other words, torque T is the factor determined by L (the distance from the center of rotation) and load F.

3. How to determine torque transmission (without regard to machine efficiency)

A gear’s transmission torque changes as it increases or decreases speed. Generally, by reducing the speed, a small torque at the input side is transmitted as a larger torque at the output side. The calculation of torque depends on the number of teeth. Let me explain with a diagram using pitch circle diameters.
The torque is calculated as follows:

1. Obtain load F of the meshing point (at the radius of the pitch circle of Gear A) of the input torque.
2. Obtain torque of the output side from load F of the teeth’s meshing point (radius of the pitch circle of Gear B).

Condition
Rated torque of motor: TA=600N·mm (0.6N·m)
Gear A's pitch circle diameter φ20
Gear B's pitch circle diameter φ40

Torque transmission calculation
Load of Gear A'S meshing point: F=TA/LA=60(N)
Output side's torque: TB=F×LB=60(N)×20(mm)=1200(N·mm)

Figure 3-2 Diagram of gear’s torque transmission calculation

As you can see from Figure 3-2, by reducing the output shaft speed from the input shaft by 1/2, the output torque increases by a factor of 2.

4. Consideration of machine efficiency

As shown in the previous chapter, you can calculate a gear’s number of rotations by the number of teeth.
However, you cannot calculate a gear's transmission torque simply as shown previously because of the following reasons:

• Heat is produced by meshing teeth and energy is lost.
• Hammering sound is produced by meshing teeth and energy is lost.

Therefore, the torque (turning force) is reduced by as much as the energy is lost as above.
The ratio of input to output forces of gears is called “machine efficiency” and its approximate value is known according to the gear type. (Table 3-2)

Table 3-2 Gear’s machine efficiency by type

Relationship of two shafts	Gear name	Machine efficiency η (%)
parallel shaft	spur gear	98.0 - 99.5 * Efficiency of helical gear is less than spur gear as teeth are inclined and force is created in the thrust direction.
	helical gear
	double helical gear
	internal gear
	rack
	helical rack
intersecting shaft	straight bevel gear	98.0 - 99.0
	spiral bevel gear
skewed shaft	worm gear	30.0 - 90.0
	screw gear	70.0 - 95.0

Note) The efficiency shown above is the transmission efficiency of gears without regard to the loss in bearings or agitation of grease.
The gear efficiency shown above are the values when gears are installed properly. If incorrectly installed, such as deviation in the intersection point of bevel gears, efficiency will decrease.

"Never forget about machine efficiency when calculating torque !"

5. Transmission torque calculation (including machine efficiency)

Now, let’s see the torque calculation formula including machine efficiency η. (Figure 3-3)

Figure 3-3 Calculation formula of transmission torque

Exercise problem for transmission torque (1)

Calculate the torque transmitted to driven gear (B). Assume the gear type to be spur gears.
Symbolin Figure 3-4 represents the drive gear.

Figure 3-4 Exercise problem for transmission torque (1)

Exercise problem for transmission torque (2)

Calculate the torque transmitted to worm wheel B. (Figure 3-5)

Figure 3-5 Exercise problem for transmission torque (2)

Exercise problem for transmission torque (3)

Calculate the torque transmitted to driven gear (C). Assume the gear type to be helical gears.
Symbolin Figure 3-6 represents the drive gear.

Figure 3-6 Exercise problem for transmission torque (3)

"Just like the number of rotations, the number of teeth of the first and last gears determines the torque of a single stage gear, but the torque is reduced as machine efficiency is affected by the number of intermediate gears !"

Exercise problem for transmission torque (4)

Calculate the torque transmitted to driven gear (D). Assume the gear type to be helical gears.
Symbolin Figure 3-7 represents the drive gear.

Figure 3-7 Exercise problem for transmission torque (4)

When starting a mechanism design using gears, it is important to be conscious of machine efficiency. The mechanism designed without considering machine efficiency may not satisfy specifications because of torque shortage.
We discussed that machine efficiency influences gear’s transmission torque depending on the gear types and the number of meshing.
Next we will explain parameters that determine gear shapes when designing gears.
(To be continued...)

*Illustration: KAOSUN

DISCLAIMER

The purpose of writing this article was to educate the readers with the elementary level of gear technology.
We hope that the actual design and manufacturing of gears and machinery utilizing gears are done with sufficient technical and specialized considerations under the user's full responsibility.
We disavow any liability and will not compensate for any direct or indirect damages caused by the gears designed by the users who read this article.

Related Links :
Know about parameters that determine gear shapes
了解齿轮的扭矩传递