Design and strength analysis methods of the trochoidal gear reducers

• AutoCAD software development for trochoidal gear reducer design
• Finite element method used for contact analysis of the trochoidal gear reducers
• Contact stress analysis of the trochoidal gear reducers
• Bending stress analysis of the trochoidal gear reducers

This paper deals with design and strength analyses of trochoidal gear reducers. At first, design software is developed to conduct geometric design of the trochoidal gear reducers in AutoCAD software surrounding. With the help of developed software, gearing parameters and structural dimensions of the trochoidal gear reducers can be determined very simply. Two-dimensional (2D), drawings of the designed reducers can be drawn by the software automatically. Three-dimensional (3D), drawings of the designed reducers can also be drawn very quickly with 3D commands of AutoCAD software when the 2D drawings are available. The developed software can not only save much time of designers, but also makes it possible for inexperienced designers to be able to design the trochoidal gear reducers freely. Secondly a new mechanics model and finite element method (FEM) are presented in this paper to conduct loaded gear contact analysis of the trochoidal gear reducers in order to solve strength calculation and evaluation problems of the reducers. With the help of the model and FEM presented, it becomes practical to be able to conduct loaded gear contact analysis and strength calculations of the trochoidal gear reducers in theory. FEM software is developed based on the model and method. With the help of the developed FEM software, loads and contact stresses distributed on teeth, bushes and rollers of the trochoidal gear reducers are analyzed successfully. Bending stresses of the trochoidal gear are also analyzed, though it is rare for the reducer to have bending failures.