The Wolfrom Gear Train: A Case of Highest-Complexity Related Modifications of the Tooth Meshing
The Wolfrom gear is suitable for high speed ratios with an efficiency which is not optimal, but still acceptable. The version with single-rim satellites has significant design and technological advantages. However, the determination of the most appropriate modification coefficients poses a technical problem as the modifications are now related instead of being chosen independently. The geometrical calculations of the single-rim satellites version are performed in the paper. Speed ratio, number of teeth of the satellites, pressure angles and modification coefficients are determined. Advisable values for these parameters are given. As an example a specific design problem for the replacement of a three-stage planetary reducer (consisting of 15 gears) with a Wolfrom gear train (6 gears) the following calculations were performed.