Position-Parameter Selection Criterion for a Helix-Curve Meshing-Wheel Mechanism Based on Sliding Rates

Space Curve Meshing Wheel (SCMW) is an innovative gear mechanism committing transmission between space curves instead of classic space surfaces. Based on its slide rates, this paper proposes the position-parameter selection criterion of the Helix Curve Meshing Wheel (HCMW), the most common SCMW at present. First, the sliding rates of the contact curves at the meshing point are defined and calculated; then the optimal meshing condition of the HCMW is attained by analyzing the features of the slide rates; and the position-parameter selection criterion is subsequently attained as well as the corresponding contact curve equations. As verification, both simulation and practical examples with different position parameters are provided. The result shows that the HCMW coincident with the position-parameter selection criterion has better slide rates, and therefore can have better tribology performance. The design methodology proposed by this paper is to change the current situation that the position perimeters of the HCMW are determined according to the designers’ experience, and theoretically provides a foundation to its standardization production in industry.