Abstract
The present paper reports the results of analyses on inverted tooth chain (ITC) link motion and noise and a new design method to suppress them. Combining the results of the authors’ former studies using multi-body dynamics simulation of chain links and various experimental observation of link motion, generating mechanism of ITC vibration and noise were clarified. The generating mechanism is completely different from that of roller chain noise. While roller chain noise is generated by polygon motion of its links on a sprocket, the vibration of ITC is generated through unwanted link motion at the engagement and disengagement process with the sprocket teeth, and is eventually transmits as waves on ITC. From this view point, conventional vibration suppression designs for roller chain were found to be inadequate. Instead, a new chain tensioner design and vibration isolation design at a chain guide were investigated. Some prototypes embodying this design idea were built. The experiment results on these prototypes were encouraging. These results constituted better understandings of ITC motion and low noise design.
Keywords: engine, noise, vibration, chain, motion