Designing a Gearbox: Shafts, Calculations & More

[devinthedude]

I have to design a gear box. The gears and the springs are already designed. It is based on 4 gears, made up of two pairs (1:3 and 1:5 ratio). I now have to design the shafts and other components. I am thinking of using 3 shafts, but would that work? I can't really visualize how the overall gearbox is going to work, so if not, how many shafts would make it work?
I also need to come up with calculations for the output shaft. I can think of dimensions, bending and torsion load, critical locations and failure due to fatigue and yielding. Can you think of any other relevant calculation needed?
Also what other components would I need, apart from bearings, seals and couplings?
Thank you a lot.

 

[Navin A S]

Yes, three shafts would work for this gearbox. To make it work, you will need two parallel shafts (input and output) and an intermediate shaft that connects the two pairs of gears. The intermediate shaft should be at an angle with respect to the input and output shafts.In terms of calculations for the output shaft, you should consider the following:- Dimensions: These include the diameter, length, and any other shape parameters such as taper or thread forms. - Bending and torsion load: This includes the maximum torque and bending moments the shaft will experience when in operation. - Critical locations: This includes any areas on the shaft that are susceptible to high stresses due to fatigue or yielding.- Failure due to fatigue and yielding: You should consider the material properties of the shaft, such as its yield strength and fatigue limit, to determine whether the shaft can withstand the loads it will experience over its lifetime.In addition to bearings, seals, and couplings, you may also need a housing and a lubrication system, depending on the design.