CVT Transaxle Layout With Elevated Drive Shaft for Low Center of Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle powertrains have complex configurations that limit the low center of mass positioning, complicate assembly, and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain design with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a driving shaft positioned laterally between the engine and CVT, vertically higher than the engine, featuring a unitary aluminum alloy housing portion that supports the driving shaft and simplifies assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional powertrain configurations are used, then component arrangement is traditional, but the center of mass cannot be positioned low enough
Solution Approach 1:
The driving shaft is repositioned from a conventional horizontal arrangement to a vertical orientation, extending downward from the transmission. This dimensional change allows the center of mass to be lowered without increasing horizontal space requirements, resolving the contradiction between low center of mass positioning and compact powertrain layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain components (engine, CVT, transmission, and driving shaft) are merged into a more compact integrated arrangement. The CVT is positioned adjacent to the engine with the transmission coupled to it, and the driving shaft integrated vertically, creating a consolidated powertrain assembly that reduces overall complexity while achieving low center of mass.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional powertrain designs are used, then assembly follows traditional methods, but assembly process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain is segmented into distinct modular components: engine, CVT unit, transmission assembly, and driving shaft. Each module can be manufactured and assembled separately, then integrated together. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process by breaking down the complex powertrain into manageable sections with standardized interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional powertrain configurations are used, then traditional component layout is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission housing serves multiple functions: it houses the transmission gears, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting structure for the vertically extending driving shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support structures and brackets, simplifying manufacturing and reducing component count while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connected to the engine, a transmission operatively connected to the CVT, and a driving shaft operatively connected to the transmission. The driving shaft is positioned laterally between the engine and the CVT, and vertically higher than a lowest point of the engine. Additionally, a powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine having engine housing, a CVT having a CVT housing having first and second housing portions, the first housing portion being disposed between the engine housing and the second housing portion, a transmission having a transmission housing, and a driving shaft. The first housing portion is connected to the engine and transmission housing, the first housing portion has a supporting portion supporting the driving shaft, and a mounting bracket for mounting the powertrain to the vehicle. A transmission is also disclosed.