Optimization and Analysis of Output Pinion Design for Worm Gear Reducer

Abstract

Pinions are generally heavy and integrated with a shaft. Thus, fabricating a pinion is a material- andmachining-intensive task characterized by low productivity. Contact of the output pinion with a sliding surfaceor a cloud contact causes loss of power because of friction. Consequently, the output pinion undergoesconsiderable wear and tear at its ends, which adversely affects the overall transmission efficiency ofdecelerators. To improve transmission efficiency and extend gear life, an optimum output pinion design isrequired. To this end, in this study, an output pinion for worm gear decelerators was designed and optimizedby means of product verification through prototyping and performance evaluation to improve gear life andproductivity. The optimized design was validated and subjected to structural analysis.