Can Switching from Gear to Roller Drive Reduce Noise in Toy Mechanisms?

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Switching from a gear mechanism to a roller or friction drive may potentially reduce noise, but the effectiveness depends on the specific application. Noise from gears can often be minimized by ensuring proper meshing, adjusting backlash, and using helical cut gears instead of straight cut ones. The material of the gears and adequate lubrication are also crucial factors in noise reduction. Additionally, enclosing the gears properly can help mitigate noise caused by resonant panels. Overall, careful consideration of these factors can lead to a quieter toy mechanism.
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I am using a gear mechanism in one of the toys that i am making for my baby. but the gear makes a lot of noise. Will replacing it with Roller drive or friction drive reduce the noise?

Is there any other way to reduce noise from gear drive?
 
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Gears are often a source of noise, but this can be reduced. Firstly, are the gears matched such that they mesh correctly? Is the backlash between the gears set?

Secondly (I'm assuming these are spur gears), are they straight cut? A lot of noise can be minimised by replacing these with helical cut gears, though you'll then have to consider shaft thrust.

Thirdly, what are the gears made of, and are they sufficiently lubricated?

Finally, how are the gears enclosed? Dealing with engines, complaints of "noisy gear train" are often a result of the gear train cover being a large, resonant panel. Sure, it sounds and looks like gear train noise, but isolating that panel can reduce the noise by huge amounts. Possibly not relevant to your application, but it's worth thinking about.

It's impossible to say whether the use of roller or friction drive will reduce noise without seeing your specific application.
 
Hallo starcrossed! :smile:
starcrossed said:
I am using a gear mechanism in one of the toys that i am making for my baby. but the gear makes a lot of noise.

:rolleyes: How much noise does the baby make? :smile:
 
thanks a lot
 
The simple move, if it can be done structurally, is to reduce tooth size (finer mesh) and decrease backlash. That may not be possible. It also depends on the speeds you're talking about.
 
What is gear material is not the polymer one?if not make it polymer...
 
The bearing (the hole) where the shaft of the gear goes is also important, if its too loose it will be noisy. Also lube the gears well.
 
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