Measuring Method of Hypoid Gear Tooth Profiles

In this study we have developed a new measuring method of the hypoid gear tooth profiles manufactured by Gleason's gear cutting machines. Based on analysis of the tooth profiles of hypoid gears, the angular position of the ideal gears and the position of the measuring probe contacting the tooth surface at the measuring location are computed first. Actual tooth surface measurements are made with a three-coordinate measuring machine to detect deviation of the actual position of the probe from the ideal position and the deviation of the tooth surface is then evaluated. The method gives us not only the profile of a tooth section but also the profile on the whole tooth surface. Some experimental results have proved that the measuring method is useful.