An Elastic Transmission Error Compensation Method for Rotary Vector Speed Reducers Based on Error Sensitivity Analysis

An elastic transmission error (TE) compensation method for a rotary vector (RV) speed reducer is proposed to improve its transmission accuracy based on error sensitivity analysis. Elastic and geometric TEs of the RV speed reducer can be compensated by tooth surface modification of cycloidal gears. Error coefficients of the TE of the RV speed reducer are derived to determine error factors with positive effects on TEs based on error sensitivity analysis. A total TE, including the elastic TE, is obtained by using Adams. The elastic TE compensation method is developed to calculate modification values of error factors with positive effects on the TE to decrease the elastic TE of the RV speed reducer. TE simulation results show that the elastic TE accounts for 25.28% of the total TE, and calculation results show that the maximum contact force and normal deformation of the modified prototype are obviously improved. The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed elastic TE compensation method for RV speed reducers were verified by TE experiments. TE experiment results showed that the TE of the modified RV speed reducer is 47.22% less than that of the initial RV speed reducer.

Examination of Prestressed Coating/Substrate Systems Using Spherical Indentation—Determination of Film Prestress, Film Modulus, and Substrate Modulus

There have been many studies performed with respect to the indentation of thin films affixed to a corresponding substrate base. These studies have primarily focused on determining the mechanical properties of the film. It is the goal of this paper to further understand the role that the film plays and how a potential prestressing of this film has on both the film and substrate base. It is equally important to be able to understand the material properties of the substrate since during manufacturing or long-term use, the substrate properties may change. In this study, we establish through spherical indentation a framework to characterize the material properties of both the substrate and film as well as a method to determine the prestress of the film. It is proposed that through an initial forward analysis, a set of relationships are developed. A single spherical indentation test can then be performed, measuring the indentation force at two prescribed depths, and with the relationships developed from the forward analysis, the material properties of both the film and substrate can be determined. The problem is further enhanced by also developing the capability of determining any equibiaxial stress state that may exist in the film. A generalized error sensitivity analysis of this formulation is also performed systematically. This study will enhance the present knowledge of a typical prestressed film/substrate system as is commonly used in many of today’s engineering and technical applications.

An Active Ease-Off Topography Modification Approach for Hypoid Pinions Based on a Modified Error Sensitivity Analysis Method

A new active ease-off topography modification approach is proposed to improve the meshing performance of hypoid gears based on a fourth-order predesigned transmission error (PTE) model and a modified error sensitivity analysis method. Ease-off topography modifications that describe local deviations of pinion tooth surfaces can be conducted by converting the fourth-order PTE into equivalent deviations of pinion tooth surfaces. The modified error sensitivity analysis method is developed to investigate the effects of misalignments on the moving velocity of a contact point of a hypoid gear pair. The moving velocity of the contact point can describe transmission error (TE) curve shapes of ease-off tooth surfaces. The ease-off topography modification approach can achieve TE precontrol and modification curvature adjustment of the pinion for stable meshing performance of the hypoid gear pair. Moreover, pinion ease-off tooth surfaces are finished by a five-axis computer numerical control swarf-cutting machine tool. Swarf-cutting tests and TE measurement tests are conducted on hypoid gear pair specimens to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.