Remote CVT Layout With Belt Coupling to Reduce ATV Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) face a challenge in accommodating a drive clutch laterally adjacent to the motor, which increases the vehicle width, compromising ergonomics and compliance with size regulations due to the limited space for foot-wells and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A remote-located continuously variable transmission (CVT) is positioned rearward or forward of the motor, coupled via an auxiliary drive mechanism such as a belt, reducing the drive package width by eliminating the need for lateral clutch placement, and allowing closer foot-well spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the drive clutch is positioned laterally adjacent to the motor, then the motor and CVT are properly coupled for power transmission, but the vehicle width increases and foot-wells are spaced apart
Solution Approach 1:
The drive clutch is repositioned from a lateral arrangement (side-by-side with the motor) to a longitudinal arrangement (front-to-back with the motor). This dimensional change in the layout configuration allows the foot-wells to be positioned closer together, reducing the overall vehicle width while maintaining effective power transmission through the belt-driven auxiliary drive mechanism.
2Power
If the drive clutch is positioned laterally adjacent to the motor, then direct power coupling is achieved, but the drive package width increases
Solution Approach 1:
A belt-driven auxiliary drive mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor and the drive clutch. Instead of direct coupling, the belt transmits power from the motor to the drive clutch, enabling the drive clutch to be positioned remotely (longitudinally) rather than laterally adjacent to the motor, thus reducing the drive package width.
3Length of moving object
If the CVT is positioned rearward of the motor, then the drive package width is reduced and foot-wells can be closer together, but an auxiliary drive mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical coupling between the motor and drive clutch is replaced with a belt-driven auxiliary drive mechanism. This substitution allows the drive clutch to be positioned rearward of the motor, reducing the drive package width and enabling closer foot-well spacing, while the belt mechanism provides the necessary power transmission.
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 configuration reduces the overall width of the drive package, enhancing ergonomics and compliance with size regulations by positioning the CVT rearward of the motor, thereby allowing for a more compact design that improves engine efficiency and reduces energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
An auxiliary drive mechanism rotatably couples the drive clutch shaft to the crankshaft. The auxiliary drive mechanism may be one of a belt, chain, or shaft, but preferably a belt.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor.