Design of a pair of noncircular gears meeting Ackermann steering principle

This paper focuses on the design of a pair of noncircular gears, which is used in a concept automobile steering system to make the steering meet Ackermann steering principle. Based upon Ackermann steering principle, the pitch curves of the noncircular gears are formulated. The tooth profiles, addendum and dedendum curves, and transition curves of the noncircular gears are designed. Moreover, the phenomenon of the tooth profile reflection is discussed. Three-dimensional model of the noncircular gears is developed in Pro/ENGINEER, where a motion simulation is also carried out to prove the design.