278 CHAPTER TEN

Ndriven = 15 a b = 42.14
900
Ndriver = 15,
320

Ndriven = 16 a b = 45
900
Ndriver = 16,
320

The smallest integer combination is 16 and 45 teeth. Also, from the preceding discussion, a suitable diametral
pitch is 10. Table 10.7 confirms that these gears are commercially available.

3. Calculate the Pitch Diameters and Center Distance

Finally, the corresponding pitch diameters and center distance are

N1 16
d1 = = = 1.6 in.
Pd 10

N2 45
d2 = = = 4.5 in.
Pd 10

(d1 + d2) (1.6 + 4.5)

Cexternal gears = = = 3.05 in.
2 2

Often, gears must be selected to alter the velocity ratio distance between the shafts. Also, a larger tooth than neces-
between shafts of an existing machine. A similar situation sary can be used to help fill the distance between shafts.
occurs when the gear shafts must be spaced at a specific Finally, some deviation from the target ratio may be needed
distance due to other constraints. Both of these situations to specify standard gears. In general, the relationships
place a limit on the center distance of the gears. In these explained throughout this chapter can be used to specify
situations, the number of teeth selected for each gear may any gearset. The following examples illustrate some possible
not be the smallest possible, but those needed to fill the scenarios.

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 10.11

A pair of gears is powered by an electric motor and used to drive the spindle of a lathe at 200 rpm. This drive
system is illustrated in Figure 10.14. The 1-hp motor will be replaced by a more efficient but higher-speed
motor, rated at 600 rpm. To accomplish this alteration, a new set of gears must be selected that will maintain
the spindle speed at 200 rpm. However, the gears are mounted in an elaborate housing that cannot be
modified. Therefore, the center distance between the gears must remain at 7.5 in. Specify a set of gears that can
be used.

Gear

Spindle

Motor

Pinion

FIGURE 10.14 Lathe drive for Example Problem 10.11.

 Gears: Kinematic Analysis and Selection 279

SOLUTION: 1. Specify the Gear Ratio and Center Distance

The main parameters in this problem are the velocity ratio and the center distance. The required velocity
ratio is
vdriver 600 rpm
VR = = = 3.0
vdriven 200 rpm

Therefore,
d2
VR = = 3.0
d1

which can be rewritten as

d2 = 3d1

In addition, the center distance is

(d1 + d2)
Cexternal gears = = 7.5
2

2. Determine the Required Diameter of the Gears

Using these relationships, appropriate pitch diameters can be algebraically determined by

d1 + d2 d1 + 3d1 4d1
Cexternal gears = = = = 7.5
2 2 2

Solving,
d1 = 3.75 in.

and
d2 = 3(3.75) = 11.25 in.

3. Determine an Appropriate Diametral Pitch

The problem now reduces to finding a suitable diametral pitch and number of teeth that result in the required
pitch diameters. Because this application involves general gearing, a pressure angle of 20° is used. Referring to
Table 10.6, an estimate of a suitable diametral pitch is 14. Therefore, only values of Pd … 14 are considered. By
relating the pitch diameter, diametral pitch, and number of teeth, the following can be calculated:

Ndriver = (d1) (Pd) = 3.75 Pd

Ndriven = (VR)Ndriver = 3Ndriver = 3(3.75 Pd) = 11.25 Pd

Diametral pitches of 14 and lower are substituted into these two equations. Recall that only the
solutions having an integer number of teeth are valid. Iterating through all combinations, only three are
feasible.
The best alternative would depend on availability of standard gears, cost, and weight of the gearset. Notice that
the output speed will be exactly 200 rpm. In many situations, the driven speed cannot be exactly obtained. The next
problem illustrates such a case.

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 10.12

A gear-driven exhaust fan and housing is shown in Figure 10.15. To improve the air flow, the speed of the fan needs to
be increased to 460 rpm, but it must be as close to this speed as possible. The existing 3-hp motor will be used, which
operates at 1750 rpm. The housing should not be altered, which has a bearing system with a center distance of 9.5 in.
Select a set of gears for this application.
280 CHAPTER TEN

Housing

Impeller

Gear

Motor Pinion

FIGURE 10.15 Exhaust fan for Example Problem 10.12.

SOLUTION: 1. Specify the Gear Ratio and Center Distance

As in Example Problem 10.11, the main parameters in this problem are the velocity ratio and the center distance.
The required velocity ratio is

vdriver 1750 rpm

VR = = = 3.80
vdriven 460 rpm

This design scenario is complicated by a nonfractional velocity ratio. It will be impossible to obtain a driven
speed at exactly 460 rpm using an integer number of gear teeth. This is solved by rounding the velocity ratio to a
fractional value.

VR = a b L 3.75
d2
d1

This rounding will yield a driven speed of

vdriven = a b = a b = 466 rpm

vdriver 1750 rpm
VR 3.75

Assuming that the fan operates properly at this speed,

d2 = 3.75 d1

As before, the center distance is

(d1 + d2)
C external gears = = 5.5 in.
2

2. Determine the Required Diameters for the Gears

Using these relationships, appropriate pitch diameters can be algebraically determined.

(d1 + 3.75d1) 4.75d1

Cexternal gears = = = 9.5 in.
2 2

Solving,
d1 = 4 in.

and

d2 = 3.75(4) = 15 in.