Air-Cooled CVT Baffle Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with air-cooled continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) face premature wear due to heat generation from pulley stress and torque transfer, particularly in CVTs with rubber belts that are sensitive to heat.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design incorporating a baffle-separated volume within the CVT housing that allows air to flow between chambers, with an air inlet supplying air to one chamber and an air outlet exhausting air from the other, effectively cooling the drive and driven pulleys and the belt during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubber belt is used in the CVT, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but heat sensitivity increases leading to premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by friction and stress into a manageable parameter by introducing an air cooling system. The air flow path is designed to specifically target the belt and pulley areas, transforming the thermal problem into a controlled cooling process that allows rubber belts to be used without premature wear
2Temperature
If air cooling is implemented in the CVT, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to utilize the natural motion of the vehicle and existing air flow patterns. The air inlet is positioned to capture ambient air, and the air flow path is configured to naturally cool the CVT components through the motion of the vehicle, eliminating the need for active cooling mechanisms like fans or pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the existing CVT housing structure. The air inlet, air outlet, and internal air flow paths are integrated into the housing design, combining the protective housing function with the cooling function in a single integrated structure
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
The air-cooling mechanism reduces heat-related stress and wear on CVT components, enhancing the longevity and performance of the transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
During operation of the engine, the air inlet supplies air to the first chamber, air in the first chamber flows into the second chamber via the first and second apertures, and air in the second chamber flows out of the second chamber via the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has an engine; a drive pulley connected to and driven by a crankshaft of the engine; a driven pulley; an output shaft connected to and driven by the driven pulley; a belt looped around the pulleys; and a cover connected to the engine. The cover and the engine define a volume therebetween. A baffle disposed in the volume separates the volume in first and second chambers. The first chamber is disposed between the baffle and the engine. The second chamber is disposed between the baffle and the cover. The pulleys are disposed in the second chamber. The baffle defines first and second apertures fluidly communicating the first chamber with the second chamber. An air inlet is fluidly connected to the first chamber. An air outlet is fluidly connected to the second chamber.