Elastic clearance domain and use rate concept applications to ball bearings and gears

Abstract

In an assembly, we model joints by a clearance domain. This domain represents the set of configurations for a surface from the other of the joint. The clearance is most of the time associated to contact conditions, but here we extend this concept to flexible joints. For this purpose, we have built the concept of Use Rate (UR). This rate has no dimension and ranges from 0 to 1 the component use. When UR equals 0, then the component has not been used (or is like unused), and UR equals 1 when the component has reached its limit (or maximum). The relevance (or importance) of UR is demonstrated through ball bearings and gears applications. It is then possible to make the tolerance analysis of a mechanism by taking into account the flexibility of joints and the technological limits. The domain model is presented and the. © 2007 Springer.