Adjustable CVT Clutch Weight for Tunable Engagement Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying the performance characteristics of existing clutch weights in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) requires wholesale replacement, limiting adaptability to diverse vehicle configurations and engine sizes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clutch weight with a optimized center of mass positioning and modular design, featuring a curvilinear surface, extended portion, and insertable capsules, allowing for adjustable centrifugal force and engagement characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clutch weights are replaced to modify performance characteristics, then performance can be adjusted, but device complexity and cost increase due to wholesale replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch weight is divided into a body portion and an adjustable weight portion that can be independently adjusted or replaced. The body includes a curvilinear surface and pivot pin opening, while the weight portion can be modified by adding or removing mass through the capsule opening, allowing performance adjustment without replacing the entire clutch weight assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch weight incorporates adjustable mass distribution through the capsule opening that accepts capsules or weights. This allows the center of mass position to be dynamically adjusted relative to the pivot pin opening, changing the centrifugal force characteristics and engagement behavior without requiring complete replacement of the clutch weight.
2Reliability
If clutch weights are designed for specific vehicle configurations, then performance is optimized, but adaptability to diverse vehicle configurations and engine sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch weight allows modification of its mass distribution parameters by adjusting the position or amount of material in the capsule opening. This changes the center of mass location relative to the pivot pin opening, enabling the same clutch weight body to be optimized for different vehicle configurations and engine sizes without requiring different clutch weight designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A single clutch weight body design with the adjustable capsule opening can serve multiple vehicle applications. By modifying the weight portion within the capsule opening, the same basic clutch weight structure can be adapted to work with diverse vehicle configurations and engine sizes, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fine-tuning of clutch engagement and shift characteristics without replacing the entire clutch weight, enhancing adaptability to various vehicle configurations and engine sizes.
Implementation Method 1
RPM sensitive clutch weights control the distance between the clutch sheaves of the primary clutch. As the rotational speed of the primary clutch increases, the clutch weights rotate and push against rollers to close the distance between the clutch sheaves.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch weight for a continuously variable transmission is disclosed. The clutch weight, in certain examples, includes a body having a first end having a pivot pin opening and a second end opposite the first end, a curvilinear surface disposed between the first end and the second end configured to engage a roller, and wherein the roller contacts the curvilinear surface at least at a first contact position, and a center of mass of the body disposed a distance Y from a center of the pivot pin opening and a distance X from the first contact position, and where a ratio of X to Y is in the range of between about 0.499 and 0.685.