This paper is a report of the findings and insights derived from a continuously variable transmission (CVT) research study. The research objective was to identify relationships between key CVT parameters and the customer perception of CVT performance. Four factors were studied: Ratio Schedule, Shift Speed, Dead Pedal, and Torque Converter Lock. Researchers evaluated the influence of these factors and their interactions on customer perception.
Although one calibration is not significantly better than others, customers preferred three out of sixteen calibrations. DOE analysis shows flat ratio schedule to be statistically significant for Power and Pick-up. Several 2-way interactions are also statistically significant. Although a trade-off study must be completed to identify the best setting for a given vehicle, two calibration methods may be employed for higher customer satisfaction: