Split Chain Guide Supporting Portion for CVT Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing continuously variable chain-belt transmission systems face difficulties in assembly due to the requirement of simultaneous positioning of the chain guide and conical pulley pairs, leading to complex and time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A chain-belt transmission system with a split chain guide supporting portion that allows for separate assembly and attachment of the chain guide to the chain, followed by securement of the conical pulley pairs to the transmission case, eliminating the need for simultaneous axis positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chain guide is fitted to the chain and then secured to the transmission case, then the chain guide can properly restrain the chain, but simultaneous positioning of the chain guide and conical pulley pairs becomes necessary, increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide supporting portion is divided into two separate parts: a first chain guide supporting portion that can be assembled independently, and a second chain guide supporting portion that is integrated with the transmission case. This segmentation allows the chain guide to be positioned and fitted to the chain before final assembly, ensuring proper positioning without requiring simultaneous alignment of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide is fitted to the chain in advance before the final assembly with the transmission case. The first chain guide supporting portion is prepared separately, allowing the chain guide to be pre-positioned and secured to the chain, which simplifies the subsequent assembly process and eliminates the need for complex simultaneous positioning.
2Reliability
If the chain guide is fitted to the chain before securing to the transmission case, then proper chain restraint is achieved, but the assembly time is increased due to sequential assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the chain guide supporting portion into two separate parts, the assembly process can proceed in parallel streams: one team can assemble the chain guide to the chain while another team prepares the transmission case, then the parts are quickly combined. This segmentation reduces the total assembly time despite the additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide is pre-fitted to the chain before final assembly, which actually speeds up the overall process by eliminating the need for complex in-situ positioning during final assembly. The preliminary fitting ensures proper alignment is already established, reducing adjustment time during final assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the chain guide supporting portion is secured to the transmission case before fitting the chain guide, then the supporting structure is in place, but the chain guide cannot be properly positioned on the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide supporting portion is segmented into two parts that can be assembled in different sequences. The first chain guide supporting portion can be assembled independently without interfering with chain guide fitting, while the second portion provides the final mounting interface to the transmission case, allowing flexible assembly sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of mounting the supporting structure first and then fitting the chain guide, this invention allows the chain guide to be fitted to the chain first, then the supporting portions are assembled around it. This inverted sequence makes the chain guide fitting operation much easier and more accurate.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuously variable chain-belt transmission (chain-belt CVT) housed in a transmission casing formed by a transmission case and a side cover, has a pair of conical disk pairs, each pair of which is rotatably supported by disk supporting portions provided in the transmission case and the side cover; a chain wound around the pair of conical disk pairs; a chain guide attached to the chain to restrain movement of the chain and having an annular guide portion that encloses an entire circumference, in cross section, of the chain; and a chain guide supporting portion supporting the chain guide between the transmission case and the side cover. The chain guide supporting portion has a fixing side chain guide supporting portion fixed to the transmission case and a connecting side chain guide supporting portion connecting to the fixing side chain guide supporting portion.