Roller Chains Generator

Use Roller Chains Generator to design and analyze a variety of chains drives. It creates the sprockets and chain path as a simple sketch or simplified solid, and analyze the system.

The chain drive designed with Roller Chains Generator can be planar only with all parallel sprocket axes. No misalignment of sprocket is considered. The chain midplane is the X-Y plane of chain coordinate system. The coordinate system follows the right-hand rule and can be fully constrained to the selected reference geometry.

The chain drive can consist from theoretically an unlimited number of toothed sprockets and flat idlers. Sprockets and idlers can lie inside or outside the chain loop. Also, you can change direction of motion and analyze the chain drive for reversed motion.

The first sprocket is considered a driver. The rest of the sprockets are driven or idlers. The transmitted power can be split into several driven sprocket using a power ratio factor defined for each sprocket. Distribution of forces and torques are calculated accordingly.

The strength calculation processes a strength check for the chain type selected. The calculation uses different data and equations according to the used ISO, DIN, BS, CSN, or ANSI standards.

Use the Roller Chains Generator to:

  • Add unlimited number of sprockets.
  • Insert flat tensioning idler.
  • Work with sprockets that are already placed within the assembly.
  • Constrain chain/sprockets assembly to the selected geometry.
  • Compute axle load for each sprocket independently.
  • Analyze chain drive for clockwise or counterclockwise motion direction.
  • Create complete assembly including chain as solid or sketch.
  • Control sprockets timing to be constrained to the selected geometry.
  • Support torsional tensioner.
  • Customize sprocket tooth profile properties.
  • Add, replace, remove sprockets during edit.
  • Select the most suitable chain for specific application.

Coordinate system

Coordinate system icon is composed from three axes and origin entities and fully defines coordinate system of chain path trajectory. Each of the entity of the coordinate system has a specific meaning and functionality. Selecting origin sphere initiates selection of point reference geometry what serves as origin reference for coordinate system. Selecting X and Y axis initiates selection of linear reference geometry what defines X or Y axis direction vector of chain path coordinate system. The coordinate system follows right-hand rule so only one axis selection is accepted. Chain mid-plane is defined by X-Y plane. Z axis serves as indicator of offset chain mid-plane from selected reference plane. Using double-click or drag & drop the offset can be specified. Using right mouse button if mouse is over the X, Y or Z axis the Flip direction command can be used to flip direction of given axis.

TipSee the Engineer's Handbook for used calculation formulas and other instructions for designing chains.

Procedures

Design chains

Design a chain drive with two sprockets

 
  1. On the ribbon, click Design tabPower Transmission panel Roller Chains.
  2. On the Design tab:
    • Select the chain midplane for the chain drive coordinate system.
      NoteYou must specify the chain midplane to design and calculate chain drive.
    • To select a chain, click Browse.
    • Within the browse window, select the chain type and the size. Click Accept.
    • Add 2 sprockets. The first sprocket is always a driver.
    • Specify the position of each sprocket by dragging a grip at the center of the sprocket.
    • Specify the sprocket size by dragging a size grip.
  3. (Optional) Click More in the right lower corner of the Design tab to open the More Options area, where you set additional options for chain drive design, such as adjust timing.
  4. Click OK to generate chain drive.
    NoteOn the Calculation tab, you can perform a calculation and strength check. The calculation is performed when you click Calculate. If you do not want to use strength analysis on you chain drive, you can disable the calculation using the Enables/disables calculation in the upper right corner of the Design tab.

Design and analyze a chain drive with an idler

 
  1. On the ribbon, click Design tabPower Transmission panel Roller Chains.
  2. On the Design tab:
    • Select the chain midplane for the chain drive coordinate system.
      NoteYou must specify the chain midplane to design and calculate chain drive!
    • Add 3 sprockets. The first is always a driver.
    • Set second sprocket as sliding. Select the Free sliding position option. Other sprockets have fixed centers.
    • Use grips to specify position and size of each sprocket.
  3. Select the third sprocket, and click the Sprocket properties to open Roller Sprocket Properties dialog box:
    • On the Design Guide group box, select Transmission ratio from the drop-down list.
    • On the Dimensions area, specify the transmission ratio value.
    • Set the power ratio to 1. The third sprocket is now driven.
    • Click OK.
  4. Switch to the Calculation tab:
    • In the Working Conditions group box, specify the power to be transmitted, type of application, lubrication, and environment.
  5. (Optional) Click More in the right lower corner of the Design tab to open the More Options area, where you set additional options for chain drive design, such as minimum safety factors.
  6. Click Calculate.
  7. If the strength check fails, the chain probably cannot transmit the load under specified operating condition.
  8. Switch to Design tab and click the Browse for a chain command next to the Chain box. Within the browse panel:
    • Select browse method to browse for solution with fixed sprocket diameters.
    • Select working solution, and click Accept.
  9. (Optional) Click Results in the upper-right corner to open the HTML report.
    NoteThe Results command is available only if you specify the chain drive placement. (The chain midplane must be selected. Specify the placement in the Design tab.)
  10. Click OK to generate mechanically correct chain drive.

Calculate chains

 
  1. On the ribbon, click Design tab Power Transmission panel Roller Chains.
  2. On the Design tab:
    • Select the chain midplane for the chain drive coordinate system.
      NoteYou must specify the chain midplane to design and calculate chain drive.
    • To select a chain, click Browse.
    • Within the browse window, select the chain type and the size. Click Accept.

      When browsing for the chain drive, you can specify the browse method. See for more information.

    • Add the number of sprockets. The first sprocket is always a driver.
    • Specify the position of each sprocket by dragging a grip at the center of the sprocket.
    • Specify the sprocket size by dragging a size grip.
  3. Switch to the Calculation tab:
    • Enter the calculation values. You can change the values and units directly in the edit fields.
  4. Click Calculate to perform the calculation.
  5. Calculation results are displayed in the Results area. The inputs that fail the calculation are displayed in red (their value does not correspond with other inserted values or calculation criteria). Reports of the calculation are displayed in the Summary of Messages area which is displayed after clicking the chevron in the right lower part of the Calculation tab.
  6. (Optional) Click Results in the upper-right corner to open the HTML report.
    NoteThe Results command is enabled only if you specify chain drive placement (chain midplane must be selected).
  7. If calculation indicates design compliance, click OK.

Edit chains

 
  1. Open the Autodesk Inventor assembly with the already inserted Design Accelerator chain drive.
  2. Select the chain drive, right-click and select the Edit Using Design Accelerator.
  3. Edit the chain drive. You can change the number or type of sprockets, recalculate values, and so on. If you changed calculation values, click Calculate to see the strength check and geometric calculation. Calculation results are displayed in the Results area. The inputs that fail the calculation are displayed in red (their value does not correspond with other inserted values or calculation criteria). Reports of the calculation are displayed in the Summary of Messages area which is displayed after clicking the chevron in the right lower part of the Calculation tab.
  4. Click OK.

References

Roller Chains Generator - Design tab

Sets parameters for a chain design.

Use the Design tab to fully design chain drive layout. You can select appropriate chain as well as add, remove, or reorder sprockets. You have a full control over the drive layout and all geometric properties. Within More Options area you can adjust default behavior of computing number of chain links, and adjust timing.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab Power Transmission panel Roller Chains

Chain

Use the selection control to browse for appropriate chain within chain library. The chain selection is based on a chain standard (category) and chain type (size of the chain based on pitch).

Use the upper part of the panel to select family (standard) of the chain. The selection effects the lower part of the browse window which displays a full list of available chain sizes or solutions for given family. List of the chain families depends on XML data files stored in ...\Design Data\Design Accelerator\Tables\Chains\RollerChains.

You can customize list of chains as well as add your own chains according to specific chain supplier.

When you finish the chain selection, and the chain corresponds to the input criteria, the Accept current selection command becomes active. Click the command to select the chain and insert it on the Design tab.

Method

Use the drop-down list to specify the method of a chain selection.

The list of chain sizes or solutions in the lower part of the panel has a specific content if different browse method is selected. You can sort the bottom list, as needed.

NoteThe drop-down list is available only if the Calculation tab is enabled and also Enables/disables the calculation command in the upper-right corner must be selected.
 

 

Browse for a chain by size

The content of the bottom list contains all chain sizes of selected chain family. The list contains major dimensional properties of the chain such as chain pitch, or width. Depending on your chain selection the diameters of the sprockets are changed. The number of sprocket teeth is fixed.

Click the row to select the chain size.

 

 

Browse for a solution with fixed number of sprocket teeth

The content of the bottom list contains possible solutions of the chain drives that use specific chain size and retain number of teeth of the sprockets. Generator browses for a chain by size and computes strength properties. It preliminary selects what chains might or might not work for such drive. Use this method if diameters of the sprockets are not of a major importance. The static and dynamic safety factors are calculated as well as chain bearing area pressure, overall chain weight, design power and chain power rating.

 

 

Browse for a solution with closest sprocket diameters

The content of the bottom list contains possible solutions of the chain drives that use specific chain size and retain the closest sprocket diameters. Number of sprocket teeth might change accordingly. Generator browses for a chain by size and computes strength properties. It preliminary selects what chains might or might not work for such drive. Use this method if bounding box of chain drive is of a major importance. The static and dynamic safety factors are calculated as well as chain bearing area pressure, overall chain weight, design power and chain power rating for smallest number of teeth in the drive.

(More)

Displays preview and power rating graph of a selected chain or solution. To display the More Options area, click More in the right lower corner of the panel.

 

 

Preview

Displays a chain preview with appropriate chain dimensions.

 

 

Power Rating

Displays a chain power rating graph and a design power for specific application. Refer to the power graph prior the chain selection. Red dot represents the design power. You can easily see if it meets the design criteria (if it is within the recommended range of values).

Select Chain Mid Plane

Select the chain mid plane. You must select a chain midplane to compute initial drive layout and displays dynamic preview of the chain drive. You can select work plane or any planar face within the assembly. You can also use the active coordinate system icon to adjust the X or Y axis direction and the coordinate origin point.

Mid Plane Offset

Controls distance from selected working plane. Insert or measure the value.

Number of Chain Strands

Selects required number of chain strands for the design. Valid strands are determined by selected type of the chain. By changing strand property, you change the chain directly (as simplex, duplex, triples and so on). This value has an impact on the whole chain drive. Sprockets update accordingly and adopt number of chain strands. Use the list to select valid number of strands defined for given chain.

Number of Chain Links

Sets number of required chain links. This edit field is disabled by default. Select Custom in the Chain Options area of the More Options to enable this option. The sliding sprocket position automatically changes its position. Number of chain links is determined from selected chain, position, and size of sprockets. Value is rounded to even or odd number based on a current Chain links option in the More options area.

Sprockets

Add, remove, or reorder sprockets as well as set main properties of each sprocket. Each sprocket is represented as 1 line of controls within the list. To reorder the pulleys in the list, drag the lines.

There are 3 options that define which action to perform on a sprocket:

 

Component Inserts a sprocket as a component. Use this option to create a new part document of the sprocket. The application uses predefined template files for sprocket. You can add additional features into sprocket documents. The file name can be selected within the Properties dialog box.

 

Existing Selects an existing sprocket within the assembly. Use this option if the sprocket that should belong to the chain drive already exists within the assembly. The generator automatically determines position (fixed to the rotation axis) and the number of teeth of the selected sprocket. The generator does not generate sprocket from in-build template.

 

Virtual Does not insert a sprocket into the assembly. This option is similar to the Component option. But no component is created within the assembly. Use this option if it is not clear which sprocket component is used in the assembly. No BOM information is created within the assembly.

Sprocket placement types

Each sprocket within the chain drive has a special rule to identify the position of the center:

 

Fixed position by coordinates You can drag a sprocket within the main chain plane. Also, you can specify the position by precise values of X and Y coordinates. These coordinates are related to the chain coordinate system. Double-click the sprocket center grip to display the Sprocket's X, Y coordinates dialog box.

 

Fixed position by selected geometry Selection of Work Point, Work Axis, Cylindrical Face, or Sketch Point is required as a geometrical condition of the sprocket center. You cannot specify coordinates by precise numbers. The position is controlled automatically by projecting a center point into the chain main plane.

 

Free sliding position The exact sprocket center is adjusted to accomplish the chain length condition. The sprocket center is specified by a specific point and a specific vector. The closest chain length is selected for actual specific point. The exact sprocket center is then moved along the specific vector until the chain length condition is accomplished. Direction of specific vector is determined automatically by the application and cannot be changed. You cannot specify coordinates by exact values or expressions.

 

Direction driven sliding position Similar to the free sliding position placement. The direction of a specific vector is controlled by selected geometry. Select the Work Axis, Work Plane or Planar Face that needs to be perpendicular to chain plane. You can adjust the specific point only by drag and drop. The generator automatically selects the closest chain length and calculates the exact position of the center to accomplish the chain length condition. The translation plane needs to be perpendicular to the chain main plane. You cannot specify coordinates by exact values or expressions.

 

Rotation driven sliding position Position of the sprocket is determined by Chain Generator with respect to the center of rotation and given arm radius. Use the angle grip to move the sprocket to the appropriate location. Generator automatically advises correct rotation based on a chain length. Center of rotation is defined by selected geometry reference.

Each of the sprockets is editable:

 

Sprocket properties Displays the Roller Sprocket Properties dialog box where you can change sprocket parameters (diameter, depth, fillet radii, power ratio and so on).

Size of the sprocket can be modified by drag and drop of sprocket size grip within the graphics window. By default, the size of the sprocket can be changed only along with standard (recommended) values.

 

Delete Deletes the sprocket.

 

Browse for sprocket Displays a dialog box to select from filtered sprockets.

(More)

Displays additional options for chain drive design. To display the More Options area, click More in the right lower corner of the Calculation tab.

 

Disables the belt coordinate system. Use the on/off switch to hide or show the belt coordinate icon in the graphics screen of your assembly. The active coordinate icon enables you adjust the X or Y axis of the chain coordinate system as well as the system origin point.

  • Click green axis and select edge for Y-axis direction.
  • Click red axis and select edge for X-axis direction.
  • Use drag&drop blue axis to modify offset. Double-click blue offset to modify the offset value.
  • Click origin and select work point or vertex to define origin of the coordinate system.

Chain Options

Select the options for spring calculation.

 

 

Chain Links

Select the chain links from following types:

 

 

 

 

Even Only

Generator determines the closest number of links, round it to even number, and moves the sliding sprocket into the necessary position. You cannot enter the chain links manually.

 

 

 

 

Odd or Even

Generator determines the closest number of links, round it to the closest odd or even number, and moves the sliding sprocket into the necessary position. You cannot enter the chain links manually.

 

 

 

 

Custom

Enter the required number of chain links. The generator determines the required position of the sliding sprocket.

 

 

Insert Chain as

Select an option:

 

 

 

 

Sketch

Creates chain as a simple sketch.

 

 

 

 

Solid

Creates the chain as a simple sweep feature. Use this option to visually determine required space for the chain within the assembly.

Adjust Timing

By default the sprocket timing is switched off. This means that sprocket timing is computed automatically based on a driving sprocket position.

If you need to adjust sprockets timing, first you need to choose a sprocket with fixed timing constraint. Then, select timing reference geometry (linear entity parallel with main chain plane or planar entity perpendicular to main chain plane). All other sprocket within the chain drive automatically adjusts its rotation to engage with the chain.

Use the graphical preview to view the sprocket timing.

Results

To display the Results area on the right side of the Design and Calculation tabs, double-click the double line on the right or click the chevron.

Displays summary of dimensional properties of the chain drive as well as calculated dimensional attributes such as pitch diameters of the sprockets or number of sprocket teeth in contact with the chain. Click Calculate to display the values. The units of the results values can be changed. Double-click the specified value you want to change.

The following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane.

NoteFor further description of the calculated parameters, see the Engineer's Handbook
  • Chain
    • Pitch (p)
    • Maximum Roller Diameter (d1)
    • Maximum Pin Body Diameter (d2)
    • Transverse Pitch (pt)
    • Minimum width between inner plates (b1)
    • Maximum inner plate depth (h2)
    • Maximum outer or intermediate plate depth (h3)
    • Maximum width over bearing pins (b)
    • Maximum inner plate width (t1)
    • Maximum outer or intermediate plate width (t2)
  • Sprocket
    • Number of Teeth (z)
    • Number of Teeth in Contact (zc)
    • Pitch (p)
    • Pitch Diameter (Dp)
    • Transmission ration (i)
    • Arc of Contact (b)
    • X Coordinate (x)
    • Y Coordinate (y)
    • Center Distance (C)
    • Span Length (Lf)

Summary of Messages

Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at the bottom of the Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click the chevron at the bottom of the tabs.

Graphical Preview

A graphics preview of the chain drive gives the visual feedback of the designed chain drive and it also helps with the design because you can adjust the chain drive properties using grips.

If the chain path with the exact chain pin centers is green, the chain drive trajectory is properly designed and user can initiate calculation. If there is some problem within the geometry design the chain path is red. If there is a specific problem with the given sprocket the sprocket itself turns to the red color.

 
  1. (Origin grip) Use the grip to specify adjust center position. This grip might change its shape for sliding sprocket. Double-click the grip initiates the coordinates dialog box. If the sprocket center is specified by selected geometry the grip is not visible.
  2. (Motion grip) Use the grip to change direction of a motion. Within two sprocket drive it changes direction of chain motion. Within multiple sprocket drive it changes direction of motion for given sprocket.
  3. (Size grip) Use the grip to change diameter of the sprocket. For a toothed sprocket, it changes number of teeth to achieve the appropriate diameter. For flat idler it changes nominal diameter of the idler. By default the size grip consist from four spots that are around the sprocket.
  4. (Tooth grip) Use the grip to adjust direction of timing vector of given toothed sprocket.
  5. (Strand grip) Use the grip to specify active strand of given sprocket. The grip is visible only if sprocket number of strands is customized.
  6. (Arm length) Use the grip to grip control length of the tensioner arm. Double-click to enter precise input .
  7. (Arm rotation) Use the grip to grip control rotation of tensioner arm.

Toolbar commands

Roller Chains Generator - Calculation tab

Sets calculation parameters for a chain.

Use the Calculation tab to apply design rules to perform strength check analysis as well as provide recommendations for the Design tab.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab Power Transmission panel Roller Chains and click the Calculation tab.

Working Conditions

Use the drop-down menu to select which properties of a driving machine are known.

NoteAccording to the selected option, appropriate edit fields are enabled or disabled.

Torque, SpeedPower

Calculates the power according to the torque and speed.

Power, TorqueSpeed

Calculates the speed according to the power and torque.

Power, SpeedTorque

Calculates the torque according to the power and speed.

Efficiency

Specify expected efficiency of the chain drive. The usual efficiency is 0.98 [-].

Required service life

Change required service life from the default 15,000 hours. Click the arrow to open a dialog box where you can select the value.

Maximum chain elongation

Specify maximum allowable chain elongation. The elongation is given in percent of the chain length. The value "0.02 ul" means elongation of “2%†of the chain length.

Application

Use the drop-down list to select from the most common applications for chain drives. The application selection informs the generator about the amount of typical overload. The application type affects the Shock factor and Service factor. Both factors can be manually adjusted, as needed.

Environment

Specify environmental conditions for a chain drive.

 

 

Clean

No abrasive dust appears in the environment (indoor application).

 

 

Soiled

Abrasive dust might occur in the environment (outdoor application).

Lubrication

Specify the lubrication type.

 

 

Recommended

The generator recommends an appropriate lubrication method based on the rules (rules based on a chain size and speed). You can see the recommended lubrication within the Summary of messages group box.

 

 

No lubrication, Manual, Drip Feed, Bath or Disc, Forced Feed

Set the lubrication, lubrication factor is determined accordingly.

NoteSome of the options are not valid for fast speed chain drives. Calculation fails for invalid inputs.

Chain Properties

Sets mechanical properties of the selected chain because the same size and type of the chain might differ across manufacturers.

Check the box to insert the appropriate value.

Tensile strength

The ultimate tensile strength of the chain is the maximum load that can be applied before the chain breaks. There are dynamic and static safety factors that reduce the permissible working load. The default value comes from standard recommendations for a given chain size, but you might want to consult this parameter with specifications provided by your chain supplier. The tensile strength can differ for the same size of the chain among different chain producers as well as different materials of the chain.

Specific mass

Specific mass of the chain depends on the chain size, construction, and material. The default value is taken from standard recommendations or the closest value of steel chains produced by chain manufacturers. The specific mass is used for computing centrifugal force and for vibration analysis.

Chain power rating

Chain power rating represents chain capacity rating for normal operating conditions. It is compared with the required design power to predict if the chain works for given operating conditions. If operating conditions differ from normal, the comparison is corrected by power correction factors.

to customize the chain power rating, consider customization of Chain construction factor at first. Also, consider customization of sprocket size power correction factor. If your customized chain power rating is fixed for given number of teeth of the smallest sprocket you might want to keep sprocket size factor equals to 1.0. If the customized chain power rating does not consider size of the smallest sprocket, you might want to let the generator advise the sprocket size factor for you. You can customize this factor as well.

NoteSee the Engineering Handbook for more details on chain power rating.

Chain construction factor

Describes the actual quality of the chain. It directly affects the default chain power rating and chain permissible bearing area pressure. If the factor value is 1, it does not affect standard size both of these properties. Consider modifying this factor if your chain is made from material with better strength or the quality of the chain is actually better than mentioned in national standards.

Power Correction Factors

A list of customized parameters that affect working conditions and tells the generator how much the current operating conditions differ from normal. You can modify any power correction factor. Editing requires a good knowledge of chain drive design, see Engineer's Handbook for more details on power correction factors.

Check the box to display an appropriate dialog box to edit the factor values.

Limit Chain Bearing Area Pressure

Check the box to enable the strength check within roller and bush area of the chain. If you clear the check box, the stress within chain bearing area is not part of strength check. However, the actual stress is still calculated based on working conditions. If the option is selected, the allowable stress is determined and compared with actual stress calculated based on working conditions. If the comparison fails, the entire strength check fails. See Engineer's Handbook for more details.

Permissible pressure

Permissible pressure in chain bearing area is defined for normal operation conditions. For specific operation condition, the total permissible pressure is multiplied with specific friction factor and is compared with actual pressure in chain bearing area.

Specific friction factor

Specific friction factor corrects permissible pressure in chain bearing area. The size of the correction depends on how much the actual operating conditions differ from normal.

Vibration Analysis

Controls the critical speed of the driver sprocket with respect to natural frequencies of the chain spans. For certain speed and drive setting, vibrations can appear within the chain drive. Such vibrations can result in significant reduction of chain drive service life.

Check the boxes before Chain stiffness and Limit of critical speed to enter their values manually.

See Engineer's Handbook for more information about vibration analysis.

Chain stiffness

Chain stiffness is the force required to elongate chain of its unit length. The property is used to determine critical driver speed which is close to the natural frequencies of the chain strands. The default value can differ for specific chain construction and material.

Limit of critical speed

If the chain speed is close to the critical resonance speed, it can result in unexpected additional load in chain drive what can significantly reduce chain drive service live. The error message is displayed if the actual driven sprocket speed is in critical interval.

(More)

Displays additional options for chain drive design. To display the More Options area, click More in the right lower corner of the Calculation Tab.

Recommended safety factors

 
 

 

Static

Minimum value of static factor of safety determined for constant load. If the actual value of static factor is smaller than this minimum value, the strength check fails. See engineering handbook for more details.

 

 

Dynamic

Minimum value of dynamic factor of safety determined for peak load. If the actual value of dynamic factor is smaller than this minimum the strength check fails. See engineering handbook for more details.

 

 

Lubrication factor impacts just power rating limited by galling between pins and bushings

This option affects the determination of the design power and chain power rating. This option can be considered if the lubrication is not sufficient for given operating conditions and therefore the lubrication factor differs from 1.0. If the option is switched on, the lubrication factor impacts the chain power rating limited by galling between pins and bushings. If the option is switched off, the lubrication factor affects directly design power. See the Engineering Handbook for more details.

Results

To display the Results area on the right side of the Design and Calculation tabs, double-click the double line on the right or click the chevron.

Displays the calculated values. Click Calculate to display the values. The units of the results values can be changed. Double-click the specified value you want to change.

The following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane:

  • Design power (PD)
  • Effective pull (Fp)
  • Centrifugal forcer (FC)
  • Maximum tension in chain span (FTmax)
  • Static safety factor (SS)
  • Dynamic safety factor (SD)
NoteFor more information on the calculated parameters, see the Engineer's handbook

Summary of Messages

Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at the bottom of the Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click the chevron at the bottom of the tabs.

Toolbar commands

Flat Idler Properties

Set up properties of a flat idler.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab Power Transmission panel Roller Chains and click the Design tab. On the Sprockets group box, click Sprockets Properties.
NoteThis dialog box is displayed only if you select the Flat Idler.

Design Guide

Controls the size of the idler based on a diameter specified, or appropriate transmission ratio. Select the Diameter option to retain the sprocket size when you change the size of the driver sprocket. If you select the Transmission Ratio option, you cannot enter the sprocket size value. It is determined by size of driver sprocket and appropriate transmission ratio. If you change the size of the driver sprocket, the size of this driven sprocket changes as well.

Custom size

Customizes dimensional parameters of the sprocket such as tooth gap shape properties or sprocket hub size. By default, the sprocket size values are set according to the chain standard (data tables are stored within the ...\Design Data\Design Accelerator\Tables\Chains\RollerChains folder). If you select the Custom Size option, you are responsible for all sprockets' properties.

Custom number of strands

Overrides the number of strands adopted from a chain by default. The number of strands of the sprocket can be bigger than the number of strands of the chain. You can select active strand which is used for the chain.

NoteTo set the active strand, select the blue grip within Autodesk Inventor window.
 

Motion clockwise/ Motion counterclockwise Changes the motion direction. When you have a design with 2 sprockets drive, select this option to change the direction of the chain motion. When you have a design with multiple sprockets drive, select this option to change motion just for the given sprocket.

Dimensions

Modify the idler dimensions.

Roller Sprocket Properties

Set up properties of a toothed sprocket.

NoteThis dialog box is displayed only if you select the roller chain sprocket.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab Power Transmission panel Roller Chains and click the Design tab. On the Sprockets group box, click Sprockets Properties.

To more precisely control dimensions and properties of sprocket for analysis, double-click the sprocket within the preview, or click within the dialog box.

The transmission requires a minimum of 2 toothed sprockets. All others can be flat idlers.

Design Guide

Controls the size of the idler based on a diameter specified, or appropriate transmission ratio. Select the Diameter option to retain the sprocket size when you change the size of the driver sprocket. If you select the Transmission Ratio option, you cannot enter the sprocket size value. It is determined by size of driver sprocket and transmission ratio. If you change the size of the driver sprocket, the size of this driven sprocket changes as well.

Custom size

Customizes dimensional parameters of the sprocket such as tooth gap shape properties, or sprocket hub size. By default, the sprocket size values are set according to the chain standard (data tables are stored within the ...\Design Data\Design Accelerator\Tables\Chains\RollerChains folder). If you select the Custom Size option, you are responsible for all sprockets' properties.

Custom number of strands

Overrides number of strands adopted from a chain by default. Number of strands of the sprocket can be bigger than number of strands of the chain. You can select active strand which is used for the chain.

NoteTo set active strand, select the blue grip within Autodesk Inventor window.
 

Motion clockwise/ Motion counterclockwise Changes the motion direction. When you have a design with 2 sprockets drive, select this option to change the direction of the chain motion. When you have a design with multiple sprockets drive, select this option to change motion just for the given sprocket.

Power ratio

Power ratio magnitude range is from 0.0 to 1.0, depending on the amount of power that is distributed by a given sprocket. If more than 2 sprockets are within the chain drive, some sprockets can act also as idlers or power can split into more driven sprockets in some ratio. If the power ratio is 0.0, the generator considers it an Idler. The first sprocket (driveR) always has 100% power so the power ratio value is 1.0.

Inertia moment

An important value for calculation of natural frequencies of the chain drive. If the Vibration analysis option is selected within the Calculation tab then the inertia moments of toothed sprockets cannot have a zero value. The moment of inertia is considered not for a sprocket itself but for entire rotating mass that holds with the sprocket.

 

Theoretical tooth form Generates sprocket with theoretical form of the tooth gap for specified number of teeth. See the Geometry design properties chapter within the Engineer's Handbook for more information.

ISO tooth form Generates sprocket with idealized ISO form of the tooth gap for specified number of teeth. See the Geometry design properties chapter within the Engineer's Handbook for more information.

Dimensions

Modify the sprocket dimensions.