Development of an Analytical Design Concept of Mechanically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission

This paper presents an improved design concept for V-belt based mechanically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A study was carried out to understand the working principle of a mechanically controlled CVT. The study includes a series of experimental tests on the engine, transmission and vehicle. A theoretical model of the mechanically controlled CVT was developed in MATLab, which was used to determine the optimal parameter values required. A comparative study was carried out between the test results and the theoretical requirements. The component level design constraints were identified which were responsible for the differences in the comparative study. A design concept was evolved, which can emulate the electronically controlled CVTs. Innovative design solutions are derived to remove the identified design constraints and achieve the evolved design concept.