How do you calculate the ratio of pulleys in a timing belt system?

The ratio of pulleys in a timing belt system is calculated by considering the number of teeth on the driven pulley compared to the number of teeth on the driver pulley. This is crucial because the number of teeth directly influences how motion is transmitted through the belt system. When you take the number of teeth of the driven pulley and divide it by the number of teeth of the driver pulley, you obtain a ratio that indicates how many times the driver pulley must turn to turn the driven pulley once.

This method highlights the direct relationship between the pulleys and their ability to transfer motion effectively, which is essential for maintaining synchronization in a timing belt system. The accuracy of this calculation is important to ensure that the system operates smoothly and efficiently, preventing issues such as slippage or misalignment.

Other methods, such as comparing diameters or lengths, do not provide the same level of precision in calculating the input-output relationship for timing belts, making the tooth count the most reliable measure.