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Gallery: Rack and pinion systems – designs and applications

★ By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

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Another way to prevent (or reduce) backlash is preload, which can be achieved with either of two designs: a split-pinion or a dual-pinion.

The split-pinion method uses two pinion halves, which mesh with opposite tooth flanks on the same rack. One half of the pinion is driven, and the other half is preloaded with an axial spring pack, which compensates for backlash.

rack and pinon
In a split-pinion design, one pinion drives the system and the other is preloaded.
Image credit: ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc.

With the dual-pinion method, one pinion is driven (aka the “master” pinion), and the other pinion (aka the “slave” pinion) is preloaded. Each pinion is driven by a gearbox and a motor, and preload is managed by the controller.

rack and pinion
In a dual-pinion design, one pinion is preloaded electronically.
Image credit: ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc.

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Filed Under: Applications, FAQs + basics, Featured, Rack + pinion driven, Rack + pinion sets

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