Flexible Cone Ramp for Belt Tooth Base Support in CVTs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for torque/speed transmissions, specifically in Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT's), fail to provide a robust solution for enhancing the torque transfer efficiency and reducing the friction, especially in the torque transmitting mechanism, by allowing the teeth of the torque transmitting member to have tooth bases and the non-torque transmitting member to have a base surface for the transmission belt.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ramp is introduced to raise the leveling extension of the torque and non-torque transmitting members, ensuring the teeth have tooth bases and the non-torque member has a base surface, thereby enhancing the strength and reducing stress on the transmission belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the teeth of the torque transmitting member are designed without tooth bases to simplify the structure, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the strength of the teeth is insufficient leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible ramp component that adds a new dimensional element to the CVT structure. This ramp provides a raised surface that enables the formation of tooth bases on the torque transmitting member, effectively adding vertical dimensionality to the previously flat contact surface. The flexible ramp creates a stepped configuration where the tooth base can be positioned at a higher elevation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and tooth strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ramp acts as an intermediary component between the cone surface and the torque transmitting member teeth. It mediates the geometric relationship by providing a raised surface that supports the tooth base, allowing the teeth to have both structural strength and proper engagement geometry. This intermediary element enables the tooth base formation without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire transmission system.
2Reliability
If the non-torque transmitting member lacks a base surface for the transmission belt to reduce structural complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stress on the transmission belt increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ramp introduces a vertical dimension to the contact surface by creating a raised area. This elevated surface serves as the base for the non-torque transmitting member, providing proper support geometry for the transmission belt. The dimensional change from a flat to a stepped surface enables stress distribution without adding complex multi-component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact surface by introducing the flexible ramp with its raised surface. This parameter change creates the necessary base surface geometry that distributes belt stress effectively. By modifying the surface elevation parameter rather than adding entirely new structural elements, the solution achieves improved reliability with minimal complexity increase.
3Productivity
If the leveling extension is positioned at the base surface of the cone to simplify alignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the torque transfer efficiency is reduced due to increased friction and lack of proper tooth base support
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ramp creates a vertical offset between the cone base surface and the operational contact surface. This dimensional separation allows the leveling extension to be positioned on the raised surface at an optimal location for torque transfer, rather than being constrained to the base surface. The elevated positioning improves torque efficiency by enabling proper tooth base support and reducing friction, while the ramp's flexible nature maintains ease of alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ramp serves as a mediator between the cone base surface and the leveling extension. It provides the intermediate raised surface that enables optimal positioning of the leveling extension for efficient torque transfer. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve both high productivity through improved torque transfer and ease of operation through maintained alignment capability.
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 innovation increases the strength of the torque transmitting teeth and reduces stress on the transmission belt, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the torque transfer mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Flexible ramp for raising a leveling extension... Said Flexible Ramp comprises of a Ramp and a Side Wall that is connected to said Ramp such that said Flexible Ramp bends as one unit
Data Source
AI summary
A Flexible Ramp for a Cone Assembly that uses a Torque Transmitting Member; said Cone Assembly uses a Transmission Belt that has its teeth shaped below its belt. Said Flexible Ramp can ideally raise a Leveling Extension of said Torque Transmitting Member or a Non-Torque Transmitting Member from a base surface of a Cone of said Cone Assembly to a raised surface of said Cone, for all pitch diameters of said Cone Assembly. When said Leveling Extension is positioned on a raised surface, it can support the teeth of said Transmission Belt; even-though the teeth of said Torque Transmitting Member have tooth bases, and said Non-Torque Transmitting Member has a base surface for the teeth of said Transmission Belt; since the thickness of said tooth bases and said base surface can be compensated by the height of the raised surface on which said Leveling Extension is positioned.