Gear Load Distribution Measurements [LDM]

Astute - Gear Alignment Systems

Identify & Quantify Misalignment

High Sampling Rate

Low Power Mode

Measurements to ISO-6336

Gear Alignment System

Precise Gear Alignment Assessment through Load Intensity Distribution Measurements

Gear misalignment results in uneven load distribution
Gear misalignment results in uneven load distribution
Theoretically optimal (even) load distribution
Theoretically optimal (even) load distribution

When it comes to assessing and quantifying gear misalignment in Gearbox Health Monitoring, precision is paramount. The load intensity distribution across gear faces provides invaluable insights into the health and alignment of these critical components. Among various methods available, using strain gauges emerges as the most accurate and reliable approach for this crucial task.  

Strain gauges, meticulously bonded to the roots of gear teeth, are strategically placed to capture the subtlest nuances in load distribution during each mesh cycle.This placement ensures that the strain gauges respond precisely to the load applied, enabling them to detect even the slightest deviations from the ideal alignment.

As gears rotate and mesh, they experience dynamic changes in load distribution due to factors such as torque, speed, and the weight of rotating components. These variations can be indicative of misalignment issues, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to accelerated wear, reduced efficiency, and, ultimately, system failures.  By measuring load intensity distribution using strain gauges, engineers and maintenance professionals gain unparalleled visibility into the intricate mechanics of gear interactions. 

This data allows for a comprehensive assessment of gear alignment, enabling early detection of misalignment issues and facilitating timely corrective actions.  In essence, load intensity distribution measurements using strain gauges serve as the gold standard in gear alignment analysis. Their precision and sensitivity empower professionals to proactively address misalignment concerns, ensuring the longevity, efficiency, and reliability of gear systems in a wide range of industrial applications.

Our Gear Alignment System Enables

Our Gear Alignment System Enables:

Identification & Quantification

Our system offers the capability to not only identify but also precisely quantify the extent of gear misalignment, providing engineers with critical data for informed decision-making and corrective actions.

Plotting Load Distribution Curve

Our innovation harnesses wireless technology and advanced sensors to provide a cutting-edge solution. It facilitates real-time monitoring and analysis of gearbox health, offering you crucial insights into performance and potential issues.

Face Load Distribution Factors

With our system, engineers can plot a comprehensive load distribution curve that visually represents how loads are distributed across gear faces during operation. This curve serves as a graphical representation of the dynamic forces at play, aiding in the assessment of gear health and alignment.

Load Sharing Factors

In complex gear systems involving multiple paths, such as epicyclic, double helix, and dual tandem systems, our system enables the evaluation of load sharing factors denoted as Kγ. Kγ accounts for the maldistribution of load among these various paths, offering insights into how loads are shared and balanced within intricate gear mechanisms. This data is invaluable for optimising gear systems and ensuring uniform load distribution for enhanced durability and efficiency.

Using the acquired data, the gear tooth micro-geometry can be optimised to:

Reduce Gear Noise

Reduce Transmission Error

Improve Gear Safety Factors

Eliminate Gear Damage

Gear Alignment System Uses:

Validation

Our system serves as a robust tool for gear validation, providing engineers with precise data to confirm the alignment and performance of gear systems in real-world applications

Troubleshooting

When issues arise, our system becomes an invaluable asset for troubleshooting, allowing engineers to pinpoint misalignment or irregularities swiftly and accurately, minimising downtime.

Condition Monitoring

As part of a proactive maintenance strategy, our system excels in gearbox health monitoring by continuously assessing gear health, detecting misalignment, and ensuring optimal performance over extended periods.

Some of our clients:

siemens logo
ZF Logo
Vestas Logo
santasalo logo
Boliden logo
hansen logo
clipper logo
Universal Logo

Incorrect gear microgeometry design

Manufacturing tolerance issues

Causes of Gear Misalignment

There are many causes of misalignment, both static and dynamic.

Gear Misalignment

Gearbox case distortion

Assembly issues

Issues with bearing design (clearances) or bearing wear

Issues with Gear Alignment

Issues with Gear Alignment include:

Reduction in gear tooth fatigue life

Failure due to tooth breakage

Surface failures including pitting, scoring or scuffing

Gearbox Health Monitoring Example Applications:

  • Critical gear alignment
    In wind gearbox applications, our system provides critical gear alignment data, enhancing reliability and efficiency in renewable energy production.

Our Gear Alignment Design and Manufacture Process

gear align process 1

1.

Instrumentation design

The system is designed to suit the client’s requirements including: the gear geometry, the available space envelope and duration of measurements required.

2.

Manufacture of instrumentation

The instrumentation is manufactured in-house using our CNC machines and electronics Pick-and-Place machine.

Gear align gallery 0005 1612469143797

3.

Installation

Typically the client would send the gears to Transmission Dynamics premises for instrumentation, or Transmission Dynamics have dedicated field staff for performing installations at client sites.

This involves gear root strain gauging, installation the instrumentation modules, and commissioning the system. Should the measurement campaign not take place for several weeks or months following installation, the modules can be set into user-configurable sleep mode.

4.

Data acquisition

The systems have a user-configurable sampling rate and logging duration enabling the client to acquire data from various load conditions during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

For condition monitoring, the system can be interfaced with Transmission Dynamics’ Global GDN Transceiver, enabling periodic data acquisition. The data can then be visualised and analysed remotely through our Global Data Network [GDN] portal.

gear align process 5

5.

Data analysis

The data is then easily used to evaluate the Load Distribution across the gear face-width; enabling identification of any issues including direct evaluation of face-load distribution factors (KHβ and KFβ).

Our Gear Alignment System

Rotating Machinery Compatibility

Flexible Power Options for Logging

View our “Measurement of deformation in gears” video on YouTube (opens in a new window)

Our Sensors
Gearbox Health Monitoring

Our Sensors

The system offers a range of compelling benefits, making it an ideal choice for precision gear alignment and load measurement applications.

Extended Battery Life

Features an intelligent sleep mode that allows for several years of battery life, reducing maintenance requirements.

Customisable Sampling Rates

Allows users to adjust sampling rates, with options for simultaneous sampling at 14 kHz or higher rates for channel-by-channel analysis.

Multi-Channel Data Acquisition

Capable of acquiring data from up to 8 channels simultaneously, including a once-per-revolution shaft marker for precise measurements.

Flexible Bridge Configuration

Each channel can be configured as quarter, half, or full bridge, optimising measurement position resolution across the gear face-width, accommodating up to 32 axial positions.

Intuitive Software

Bespoke software offers easy adjustment of channel offset, data acquisition, and automatic misalignment evaluation, streamlining the analysis process.

Reliable Installations

Drawing upon extensive experience in load measurement systems, it delivers compact and dependable installations.

Tailored Housings and Power Solutions

Designed to suit specific applications, ensuring compatibility and functionality.

Low Profile Installation

Enables installation in applications with minimal tip-to-root clearances, as low as 0.5mm.

In-House Manufacturing

System design and manufacturing in-house enable rapid deployment, meeting unique application needs efficiently.

The Gear Alignment System Data Flow: from Sensor to Analytics

gear align data collection

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