Systematic design of a new gearbox for concrete mixers
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 2 June 2020
Issue publication date: 28 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify an innovative solution for the power transmission gearbox of concrete mixers, according to the specifications provided by the company.
Design/methodology/approach
A tailored systematic design approach (inspired to the German systematic framework) has been adopted to comprehensively gather the company specifications and perform in-depth design space explorations. Subsequently, an iterative embodiment design approach has been followed to identify the size of the components for the preferred concept, by using acknowledged mechanical design procedures and finite element analysis tools.
Findings
An innovative cycloidal gearbox has been developed, by merging the kinematics underpinning the classical cycloidal drives and the Wolfrom planetary gearbox. The resulting concept provides high reduction rates with a very high overload capacity.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the studies is the absence of in-depth evaluations usually performed in the detail design phase. However, this limitation is a direct consequence of the company specifications, which only asked to find a preferred concept and to perform preliminary evaluations. Accordingly, the subsequent design optimization are intended to be performed by the company’s staff.
Originality/value
The present paper shows an original design approach, opportunely tailored to the design of innovative gearboxes. It can be conveniently adapted and reused by designers involved in similar tasks. Moreover, the designed cycloidal gearbox paves the way for important innovations in the field of concrete mixers, allowing to design more robust and compact devices.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is a brief summary of design studies and investigations performed in the project “SCY - Smart Construction Yards” co-financed under Tuscany POR FESR 2014-2020.
Finally, as a large part of authors are used in research and didactical activities at University of Florence, they wish also to thanks all the students of the local engineering faculty that with their enthusiasm continuously supported the research activities.
Citation
Fiorineschi, L., Papini, S., Pugi, L., Rindi, A. and Rotini, F. (2020), "Systematic design of a new gearbox for concrete mixers", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 2017-2042. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-10-2019-0254
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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