Abstract
A class of epicyclic gears based on coaxially mounted plane trains is defined. The class is restricted to those gears in which planetary gears of adjacent trains are coupled.
The type of epicyclic multi-ratio gearbox in which the input and output members are always the same is selected for consideration. The basic kinematics of the planetary member are then reduced to a single equation which is subsequently expressed as a chart, covering all ratio possibilities and directly applicable as the basis of synthesis. The chart is shown to offer an arbitrary means of describing the various forms of gear by a number-and-letter code.
The application of the chart to the synthesis of trains incorporating planetary idlers and multi-ratio trains is explained.
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