The Effect of Configuration in the Design of Geared Transmission Systems

Abstract

It has been widely observed that the mass (or weight) and cost of geared transmission systems is a relatively simple function of the maximum continuous torques to be transmitted. This fact may be used to derive simple design tools, which allow rapid comparison of the size and mass of a wide range of designs. Particularly influential is the effect of the configuration: the ratio, number, and disposition of the stages of gearing. In the present paper, a “configuration factor” is developed for the design of multistage, multiple layshaft gearboxes, based on a simplified mass comparison of gearsets designed for the same duty. The results are used to explore the effects of ratio-split, thin-rim designs, and layshaft numbers.