CVT Actuator Engagement via Inclined Offset Insertion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing belt-type continuously variable transmission systems face challenges in attaching actuators due to the need for a large opening along the phantom line, which restricts the distance between the primary and secondary shafts and creates obstacles for components like bolts or sensors.

Innovation Solution

The design includes an inward protruding portion of the actuator that engages with the arm from the side, with a clearance portion around the opening to allow offset insertion and pivoting, enabling engagement without swinging and allowing the actuator to be positioned on or near the phantom line without elongating the opening, thus shortening the shaft distance and eliminating component restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the opening of the transmission case is formed long along the phantom line to enable lateral movement of the output shaft for engagement, then the hook portion can engage with the pin of the arm by simple lateral movement, but the distance between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft cannot be shortened and there are restrictions when disposing components between the two shafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement operationVSAvoiddistance between shafts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the engagement approach from lateral movement (along the phantom line) to diagonal movement (along an inclined line). The output shaft is moved along a line inclined at an angle to the phantom line, utilizing a different dimensional path to achieve engagement while keeping the opening compact along the phantom line direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the output shaft preliminarily along the inclined line before final engagement with the pin. This preliminary positioning along the inclined trajectory enables the engagement to occur without requiring a long opening along the phantom line, as the movement path is pre-determined to be along the inclined direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the gap between parallel portions of the squared U-shaped hook portion is set considerably larger than the diameter of the pin to enable swinging engagement, then the hook portion can engage with the pin by swinging, but the engagement precision increases backlash

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement operationVSAvoidengagement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the engagement method from swinging motion to linear movement along an inclined line. By altering the movement parameter from angular (swinging) to linear (translational along inclined path), the hook portion engages with the pin without requiring a large gap, thereby reducing backlash while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The output shaft is preliminarily positioned and moved along the inclined line to bring the hook portion into alignment with the pin before engagement. This preliminary linear movement ensures precise alignment, allowing the hook to engage with minimal gap and reduced backlash.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3382233B1Belt-type continuously variable transmission, and method for attaching actuator in belt-type continuously variable transmission
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3382233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3382233B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3382233B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A belt-type continuously variable transmission is provided in which in an opening (23) of a transmission case (7) disposed at a position through which a phantom line (1) joining a primary shaft (2) and a secondary shaft (3) passes, a clearance portion (23a), which has a size that enables a second engagement portion (13a) to be engaged with a first engagement portion (11a) by moving an inward protruding portion (21) inserted into the transmission case (7) in a state in which the inward protruding portion (21) is offset toward one of upward and downward sides with respect to the phantom line (1) toward an arm (11) along the movement line inclined with respect to the phantom line (1), is formed by cutting out the peripheral edge of the opening (23) so as to be spaced in the offset direction from the inward protruding portion (21) in an attached state. Thus, even if the inward protruding portion of an actuator including an output shaft having the second engagement portion is disposed on the phantom line or in the vicinity thereof, it is not necessary to move the inward protruding portion along the phantom line when the second engagement portion is engaged with the first engagement portion of the arm linked to a movable sheave.