Analysis and synthesis of a four-speed gear train using six gears

Abstract Describing equations are established for a six-gear train giving four speed ratios in a geometric progression. The analysis of these equations reveals some previously unknown properties of the train. The optimum design point is examined. Despite the difficulties involved in keeping to a geometric progression, over 300 solutions obtained from a digital computer are tabulated. These solutions are within ±2 per cent of a specified progression ratio.