The present invention relates generally to gear assemblies and more particularly to ensuring proper assembly of a gear meshing arrangement.
A gear is a component within a transmission device that transmits rotational force to another gear or device. Typically, gears are utilized in gear meshing arrangements in a variety of environments.
For example, a gear meshing arrangement is utilized in an internal combustion engine for engaging a camshaft with a crankshaft. An internal combustion engine requires typically a multiple gear set to operate the camshafts. In this type of system typically one gear set (two gears) operate two cam shafts. Even though the gear ratio is 1:1 a generic meshing marking scheme for assembly requires at least two separate part numbers in each meshing gear set.
With this conventional marking scheme, each of the gears 12 and 14 have separate part numbers (one for intake and one for exhaust) although the gears are otherwise identical. The separate part numbers are required because the meshing pattern requires a specific tooth alignment along with a specific mark alignment. This in turn results in part proliferation and also results in adverse assembly/service issues.
For example, this type of marking scheme introduces a higher probability of incorrect assembly. The gears typically have position sensor target features that are integrated into the gears and thus the orientation and accuracy of installation becomes very critical.
What is needed is a system and method for reducing the number of required parts when manufacturing a gear meshing arrangement. In addition, by reducing the gears that are required to be manufactured, the overall costs to manufacture the gears are significantly reduced.
The present invention addresses such a need.
A gear meshing system is disclosed. The gear meshing system includes a pair of gears engaged with each other through a first plurality and a second plurality of teeth thereon. Each gear has a mark which is oriented in a predetermined relationship with a timing slot on the gear. Each gear of the pair of gears is identical to the other.
Accordingly, by utilizing a marking scheme in accordance with the present invention the same gear part can be used with multiple shafts and thereby assure accurate meshing/timing upon assembly. Accordingly, the need for additional part numbers will be minimized and excessive part proliferation will be avoided.
The present invention relates generally to gear assemblies and more particularly to ensuring proper assembly of a gear meshing arrangement. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides a marking scheme that minimizes the part numbers for a manufacturer when assembling gear meshes. In addition this marking scheme will reduce errors when assembling the gear mesh. Although a marking scheme in accordance with the present invention will be described in the context of a gear meshing arrangement utilized with a camshaft assembly, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that this arrangement can be utilized in a variety of environments and that use would be within the spirit of the present invention. For example the marking scheme could be utilized with any size or type of gear mesh the only condition being that some timing issue must be satisfied that is addressed during assembly of the gear mesh.
To further illustrate the features of the present invention, refer now to the following description in conjunction with
Although the marking scheme shown utilizes a diagonal mark as one embodiment one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes the mark could be in a variety of configurations including dots, dashes, straight lines, curves, arrows, arrowed lines or other markings. Any of these markings can be oriented with the timing slot of the gear and located on the midpoint of a tooth on the gear to provide the correct orientation when engaged with another gear. Accordingly, this marking scheme allows for a robust gear mesh arrangement that can be utilized in a variety of applications.
Accordingly, by utilizing a marking scheme in accordance with the present invention the same gear can be used with multiple camshafts. Accordingly, the need for additional part numbers will be minimized and excessive part proliferation will be avoided. Finally a marking scheme in accordance with the present invention provides an assembly process that minimizes assembly/service issues.
Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.