Design Criterion for the Space-Curve Meshing Wheel Mechanism Based on Elastic Deformation of the Tines

The space-curve meshing wheel (SCMW) is a novel mechanical transmission mechanism suitable for small devices. It operates on the principle of space-curve meshing, which is quite different from traditional gearing mechanisms based on the surface meshing principle. Excessive elastic deformation of the tines is one of the main failure modes of the SCMW mechanism. In this study, formulas for elastic deformation and the allowable deformation of the driving tines are deduced and a main design criterion for the SCMW mechanism is established. A calculation example illustrates the concepts and equations presented, and the result for elastic deformation of the driving tines is consistent with that produced by the commercial finite element analysis software.