Abstract
We have previously proposed a worm with a new tooth profile for use in electric power steering (EPS). Use of this new tooth profile enables a reduction in the diameter of the worm wheel. This paper describes the study of the worm with the new tooth profile proposed by the authors that was conducted with a view toward enhancing transfer efficiency. For this purpose, a meshing model for the worm gear (worm & worm wheel set) was first created and used in order to examine the effects of the flexural rigidity of the worm wheel on transfer efficiency. Next, worm wheels that actually have different flexural rigidity were fabricated. The transfer efficiency of the different worm wheels was studied in terms of their tooth contact area. The results revealed that there is a proper value for the flexural rigidity required to enhance transfer efficiency.
