The continuously-variable transmission is especially promising
if it can maintain engine operation at optimal fuel consumption
levels. The most widely-used V-belt regulators cannot yet fulfill
this demand. After description of transmission types, efficiency
losses, and influencing factors, the paper discusses selected
examples of efficiency analyses of wide V-belts. Evaluation of
these analyses leads to the following recommendation:
For the Belt Manufacturer:
- Wide V-belts must incorporate low flexural rigidity, high
transverse rigidity, and low hysteresis values.
- The specified characteristics must be maintained under all
operational conditions.
- Geometric and physical specifications must be upheld.
For the Transmission Manufacturer:
- The optimal angular difference must be maintained.
- Belt tension optimal for fuel economy at each level of engine
loading must be assured.
- The belt should only be wide enough to guarantee the required
changes in transmission-ratios.
- The belt should only be large enough as is necessary for power
transmission.