Apparatus and method of using a hardness differential and surface finish on mating hard gears
US7686734B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19972
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for finishing the mating surfaces of a gear set or gear train includes at least a first and a second rotatably connected gear element in dynamic, lubricated contact and rotating at different cycle rates. A hardness differential is employed between mating gear surfaces to balance surface damage imparted by friction and plastic deformation. The mating surfaces are of a hardness of at least approximately 70 on the Rockwell superficial hardness scale (70HR-30N), and are subjected to a polishing process, such as isotropic chemical finishing, to shape the surface asperity profile, thereby reducing accumulative damage due to friction and plastic deformation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.