CVT Stator Plate Skew Control for Ratio Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved performance and operational control in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) using variators with spherical-type speed adjusters, as existing systems lack efficient methods to adjust speed ratios and maintain stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that applies a skew condition to the tiltable axes of rotation of traction planets in CVTs, utilizing stator plates with radially offset slots and radial slots to guide and rotate the planets, allowing for independent adjustment of speed ratios and stabilization at equilibrium conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stator plate with radially offset slots and radial slots is used to guide traction planets, then the ability to precisely adjust and stabilize speed ratios is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator plate is segmented into multiple functional slot systems: radially offset slots for guiding planet axis tilting and radial slots for guiding planet rotation. This segmentation allows independent control of different motion aspects, achieving precise speed ratio adjustment while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially offset slots act as intermediary guides between the actuator and the traction planets, translating actuator motion into controlled tilting of planet axes. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control of speed ratios without requiring direct complex actuation of each planet, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If skew conditions are applied to tiltable axes of rotation to generate tilting forces, then operational control and performance are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The skew condition mechanism utilizes the natural interaction between the guided tilting motion and the applied forces to automatically generate the required tilting forces for speed ratio adjustment. The system self-regulates the skew angles through the geometric constraints of the radially offset slots, reducing the need for high-precision manual manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent control mechanisms are implemented for speed ratio adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator plate with its combined radially offset slots and radial slots serves multiple functions: guiding planet tilting, guiding planet rotation, and enabling continuous speed ratio adjustment. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for various operating conditions while avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
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
This approach enhances the ability to precisely adjust and stabilize speed ratios in CVTs, improving operational control and performance by inducing skew angles that generate forces to tilt the planet axes, thereby optimizing the transmission of torque and maintaining desired speed ratios.
Implementation Method 1
configuring a stator of the CVT to apply a skew condition to each tiltable axis of rotation independently
Implementation Method 2
inducing skew angles that generate forces to tilt the planet axes
Implementation Method 3
guiding each tiltable axis of rotation to an equilibrium condition. The equilibrium condition can be based at least in part on the rotation of the stator plate
Implementation Method 4
utilizing stator plates with radially offset slots and radial slots to guide and rotate the planets
Data Source
AI summary
Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a control system adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT are described. In one embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.