Waveform Torque Control Link for Stable Snowmobile CVT Clutch Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engine movements caused by thrusts and vibrations in snowmobiles alter the center-to-center distance between the primary and secondary clutches of continuously variable transmissions, leading to instability and reduced component longevity.
Innovation Solution
A torque control link with a main body having a waveform cross section is used to maintain a stable center-to-center distance between the primary and secondary clutches. The link includes a root section with engine mounting features and a tip section with chassis mounting features, ensuring consistent clutch alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid link is used to connect the engine and chassis, then structural stability is improved, but the link is susceptible to damage from engine thrusts and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible polymer composite link instead of a rigid structural component. The polymer material provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate engine movements and vibrations while maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the clutch alignment throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by employing a polymer composite material for the link, which combines the benefits of flexibility, strength, and vibration resistance. The composite material allows the link to withstand engine thrusts and vibrations without rigid structural failure while maintaining dimensional stability for proper clutch alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the center-to-center distance between clutches varies, then adaptability to engine movement is improved, but transmission operation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer link accommodates engine movement through its inherent flexibility while maintaining sufficient dimensional stability to preserve proper clutch alignment. The material properties allow the link to flex with engine motion without permitting excessive variation in the center-to-center distance between clutches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by selecting a polymer composite material with specific mechanical properties that balance flexibility and rigidity. The material parameters are chosen to allow adequate movement accommodation while maintaining the dimensional stability required for proper transmission operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque control link for maintaining a stable center to center distance between a primary clutch and a secondary clutch of a continuously variable transmission of a snowmobile. The torque control link includes a root section, a tip section and a main body that extends between the root section and the tip section. The root section has a plurality of engine mounting features that couple to the engine and a crankshaft aperture that receives the crankshaft therethrough with a clearance therebetween. The tip section has at least one chassis mounting feature that couples to the chassis and a jackshaft aperture that rotatably supports a jackshaft therein via a bearing. The main body has a waveform cross section with a substantially uniform thickness that not only improves the manufacturability of torque control link but also improves the strength of torque control link.