intermediate gears... 2

[wizeguy]

If I understand correctly, if there are a number of gears connected together, the intermediate gears between the input and output gears, have no bearing on the gear ratio? which would be determined by the input gear and the output gear?

Now does this still apply in this example?.....

If the input gear is connected via chain to a smaller gear (A), which is connected to a large gear (B) on the same axle, which is then connected to the output gear.

Do gears (A) & (B) have any bearing on the gear ratio ?

cheers
vin

 

[digger200]

Yes, because instead of an idler you have 2 stages. The chain gear ratio multiplied by the output gear ratio

 

[eromlignod]

Your premise is only true if all the gears are connected tooth-to-tooth on independent, stationary shafts. In this case an intermediate gear can only transmit the number of teeth turned. So an input turn of five teeth results in an output of five teeth, regardless of the size of the gear.

If you have different-sized gears on the same shaft, or moving gears in the mechanism, then all bets are off.

Don
Kansas City