Toroidal CVT Thrust Bearing Contact Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toroidal continuously variable transmissions face issues with maintaining contact between power rollers and disks due to elastic deformation, leading to increased friction, wear, and stress, which affects durability and efficiency, and require complex and costly mechanisms for axial displacement of power rollers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a thrust rolling bearing with a concave section on the outer race and a cylindrical convex surface on the support beam, allowing pivotal displacement and reducing stress, along with a crowned surface on the outer race to prevent deformation and improve heat resistance, enabling efficient power transmission and reduced processing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanisms are used to maintain contact between power rollers and disks, then contact is maintained, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The power roller support mechanism utilizes the elastic deformation of the support beam itself to provide axial displacement compensation. The support beam's flexibility allows it to automatically adjust and maintain contact between the power roller and disks without requiring additional active control mechanisms, achieving self-service functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the support beam by introducing elastic deformation characteristics. This allows the support beam to dynamically adjust its length in response to load variations, automatically compensating for dimensional changes in power rollers and maintaining optimal contact conditions
2Reliability
If elastic deformation is allowed in component members, then contact is maintained, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic characteristics to the support beam by allowing controlled elastic deformation. This dynamic flexibility enables the support beam to adapt to load variations and maintain optimal contact conditions, reducing sliding friction and wear compared to rigid support structures
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for axial displacement, then contact is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam serves dual functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously compensates for dimensional changes through its elastic deformation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional displacement control mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam is designed as a multi-functional component that combines structural support, load transmission, and dimensional compensation functions. This universal design reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing compared to systems requiring separate components for each function
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 maintains contact surface area, suppresses wear, and enhances durability by reducing friction and stress, improving power transmission efficiency and maintaining durability under high loads, while simplifying the processing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling bodies, which, together with the thrust rolling bearing being supported by the trunnion by the fit between the cylindrical convex surface of the support beam and concave section of the outer race such that pivotal displacement is possible
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rolling bodies that are located between an outer race track that is formed around the inside surface of the outer race and an inner race track that is formed on the outside surface of the power roller
Data Source
AI summary
A toroidal continuously variable transmission of the present invention comprises: input side disks (1a, 1b) and output side disks (6) being supported concentric with each other such that the disks can rotate freely; a trunnion (9) that comprises end sections (36) on both ends on which tilt shafts (13) that are concentric with each other are provided, and a support beam section (15) that extends between both end sections (36), the trunnion (9) being capable of pivotally displacing around the tilt shafts (13); a thrust rolling bearing (17); and a power roller (8) that is supported to the inside surface of the trunnion (9) by way of the thrust rolling bearing (17) such that it rotates freely; wherein the support beam section (15) comprises an inside surface having a cylindrical convex surface (14); the thrust rolling bearing (17) comprises an outer race (18a) having an outside surface with a concave section (19a) that fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) of the support beam section (15), and a plurality of rolling bodies (26) that are located between the power roller (8) and a track of an outer race (18a); and the concave section (19a) of the outer race (18a) has side surface sections (29) on both sides in the width direction, fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) by the cylindrical convex surface (14) coming in contact with both side surface sections (29).