Radius Calculation for Gear Rotation with Rack and Pinion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rotation of a gear in a rack and pinion system based on the displacement of the rack and the angle of rotation. Participants explore the appropriate radius to use in the formula s = r * angular displacement, considering various factors such as pitch circle diameter and gear specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the appropriate radius to use in the formula s = r * angular displacement, questioning whether to use the radius of gyration or the pitch circle radius.
  • Several participants mention that gear motion calculations are based on the pitch circle diameter, suggesting that this is a critical factor in determining the radius.
  • One participant proposes that the effective motion geometry of a rack and pinion can be modeled as a cylinder with a diameter equal to the pitch circle diameter, which rolls against a flat surface.
  • Another participant provides a formula for the linear displacement of the rack based on the angle turned by the pinion and the pitch circle diameter or radius.
  • Some participants discuss deriving formulas based on gear module number rather than pitch circle diameter/radius.
  • A specific example is given where the pitch diameter of the pinion is 20 mm, leading to a calculated rack displacement when the pinion is rotated 90 degrees.
  • One participant suggests that knowing the pitch of the linear gear rack and the number of teeth on the gear wheel can simplify the relationship between linear position and rotation angle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the appropriate radius to use in calculations, with no consensus reached on a single method or formula. Multiple competing perspectives on the geometry and calculations involved remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the pitch circle diameter and the relationship between linear displacement and angular rotation, but specific assumptions and definitions related to gear types and configurations are not fully resolved.

Parsifal1
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I want to find how far a gear from a rack and pinion will rotate from the displacement of the rack and the angle that it will have turned using: s=r*angular displacement.

So what is the radius in this case?
 
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Parsifal1 said:
I want to find how far a gear from a rack and pinion will rotate from the displacement of the rack and the angle that it will have turned using: s=r*angular displacement.

So what is the radius in this case?
Can you post a diagram to make this a bit clearer please? Also, is this for schoolwork?
 
berkeman said:
Can you post a diagram to make this a bit clearer please? Also, is this for schoolwork?

Its a project. I don't know which type of gear I will be using yet, I just want to know what you would use for the radius in that formula in the case of a gear. Would you use the radius of gyration, using the outer and inner radius formula?

figure001-custom.jpg
 
Gear motion calculations are based on pitch circle diameter - diameter D in your diagram
 
Nidum said:
Gear motion calculations are based on pitch circle diameter - diameter D in your diagram
So I couldn't use the formula s=r*angular displacement to work out the rotation of a rack and pinion gear?
 
The effective motion geometry of a rack and pinion is that of a plain cylinder of diameter equal to the gear pitch circle diameter rolling without slip against a flat surface .
 
Nidum said:
The effective motion geometry of a rack and pinion is that of a plain cylinder of diameter equal to the gear pitch circle diameter rolling without slip against a flat surface .
So the linear displacement of the rack is equal to the linear displacement of the gear? If so I should be able to use the formula I mentioned?
 
  • #10
Linear displacement of rack = ( angle turned by pinion / 360 ) x Pi x pitch circle diameter .

or

Linear displacement of rack = ( angle turned by pinion / 360 ) x Pi x 2 x pitch circle radius .
 
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  • #11
You can also derive formulas based directly on gear module number rather than on pitch circle diameter/radius
 
  • #12
The rack's displacement is equal to the tangential displacement (arc length) of the pinion at the pitch diameter. So if the pitch diameter of the pinion is 20 mm (radius of 10 mm), and you rotate the pinion 90 degrees (π/2 radians), the rack will move about 15.71 mm (calculation here).
 
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  • #13
Mech_Engineer said:
The rack's displacement is equal to the tangential displacement (arc length) of the pinion at the pitch diameter. So if the pitch diameter of the pinion is 20 mm (radius of 10 mm), and you rotate the pinion 90 degrees (π/2 radians), the rack will move about 15.71 mm (calculation here).

I see, so that was the formula I mentioned then. Problem solved.
 
  • #14
Parsifal1 said:
So what is the radius in this case?
You do not need to measure the pitch circle radius. There is an easier way.
You only need to know the pitch of the linear gear rack and the number of teeth on the gear wheel.
That will give you the relationship between linear position and rotation angle.
 

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