Patent attributes
A gear tooth for a gear of a planetary gear device may include a profile modification that alters a profile of the gear tooth to reduce wear and noise. Aspects of the profile modification may include a planar surface that connects a tip surface of the gear tooth with a first or second side of the gear tooth. Other aspects of the profile modification may include a curved surface connecting a tip surface of the gear tooth with a first or second side of the gear tooth. The gear tooth may also include non-constant profile width as measured between the first side and the second side in a gear thickness direction extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the gear. Aspects of gear teeth with either or both the profile modification and non-constant profile width may reduce tooth wear and gear noise during operation of the planetary gear device.