Spiral-Spring CVT for Automatic Torque-Adaptive Gear Ratio Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuously variable transmission systems for light transport vehicles, such as bicycles, require manual gear selection and lack an economical, simple, and automatic solution for adapting transmission ratios to varying load and terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system that uses an elastic potential energy storage unit, such as a spiral spring, to accumulate and release energy, controlling the transmission ratio between input and output shafts through a blocking and release device, allowing for automatic and continuous adjustment of the rotation speed and torque based on input and output requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual gear selection is used in continuously variable transmission systems, then the system structure can be simplified, but the automation level and adaptability to varying load conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system automatically adjusts its own transmission ratio based on the torque requirements at the output shaft, without requiring external manual intervention. The elastic energy storage unit and blocking device work together to sense load conditions and autonomously vary the transmission ratio, making the system self-regulating and adaptive to changing terrain and load conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuously variable transmission ratio is implemented, then the adaptability to different load conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission ratio is varied by changing the physical state of the elastic energy storage unit (winding/unwinding of the spring), which alters the torque characteristics of the system. By modifying the elastic potential energy storage parameter through rotational movement, the transmission continuously adapts to different load and terrain conditions without requiring complex mechanical gear changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic potential energy storage unit is used for automatic transmission ratio variation, then the smoothness of power delivery is improved, but the device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio by allowing the elastic energy storage unit to wind and unwind in response to varying torque demands. This dynamic adjustment enables smooth transitions between different transmission states, eliminating the jerky power delivery associated with discrete gear changes while maintaining energy efficiency through the reversible elastic energy storage mechanism.
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
Enables automatic and continuous variation of transmission ratios without the need for manual gear selection, optimizing energy transfer and improving the smoothness of power delivery to the wheels, enhancing the riding experience by adapting to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational input shaft and a rotational output shaft linked by means of a system for accumulating and converting potential and kinetic energies
Implementation Method 2
controlling the transmission ratio between input and output shafts through a blocking and release device, allowing for automatic and continuous adjustment of the rotation speed and torque
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a continuously variable automatic transmission that modifies the transmission ratio thereof by means of the accumulation and conversion of potential and kinetic energy. The transmission, which is functionally formed around an elastic potential energy accumulator device (6) with a controlled (7) output (2), has an input system (5) suitable for distributing the energy that is absorbed, and an output system (9) suitable for delivering the potential energy that has been absorbed and converting it into kinetic energy. The accumulator of elastic potential energy is formed around an elastic spiral spring, the inlet thereof being arranged so as to only allow the inflow of energy and the outlet thereof so as to control the energy delivery.