• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.690-695
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• 2000

This article deals with the analytic results on the development and application of the Spherical CVT. The Spherical CVT is marked by its simple configuration, the infinite torque multiplication characteristic, and the smooth transitions between forward/neutral/reverse states of output speed. In this study, we describe the conceptual principles behind the Spherical CVT and some applications of it, which we developed recently. And, we propose the shifting algorithm based on the analytic consideration of CVT powertrain system. Contrary to conventional shifting algorithms using the OOL(optimal operating line) of the power source, the proposed shifting algorithm is represented as a $2^{nd}$ order equation in an explicit form, and it reveals the possibility of theoretic design of all optimal controller. As an example, we present numerical results that demonstrate the energy saving possible and the proposed shifting algorithm from the use of the Spherical CVT over standard reduction gear unit, using an ideal dc motor model.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.103-109
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• 2008

Semi-spherical CVT(SS-CVT) is one of friction drives, which transmits power via the friction force between a spherical shaped variator and output disks. The variator varies the speed ratio of SS-CVT continuously as well as transmits input power into the output shaft. Therefore two friction forces are normally applied on the variator; one is the longitudinal friction force for power transmission and the other is the lateral for shifting. In order to investigate the dynamic behavior of SS-CVT, we introduced a numerical model of 2-dimensional friction force using a function of slip ratio and slip angle. And a dynamic model, which describes the shifting mechanism of SS-CVT, is developed through 3-dimensional vector analysis. Finally we presented numerical results of the shift characteristics focused on the transient behavior of the variator's slip ratio and slip angle. The numerical results also show the typical CVT shifting characteristics of SS-CVT and stable shifting behaviors of the variator.

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.593-598
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• 2007

A new continuously variable transmission for bicycles(B-CVT) is developed by using a traction drive mechanism having inner and outer spherical rotors. The B-CVT has high power efficiency, large torque capacity, improved drivability and good packageability. The ratio change mechanism for the B-CVT is very simple, in contrast with other traction drive CVTs. After completing a conceptual design, a performance analysis and a detail design, a prototype of the B-CVT has been manufactured. The prototype has rated power of 100 watts, pedal speed of 6 rad/s and an overall speed ratio of 1.0-4.0. A bench test and an actual bicycle test have been performed to verify the practicability of the B-CVT.

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.165-172
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• 2003

This article deals with the spin loss analysis of friction drive CVTs, especially for the cases of S-CVT and SS-CVT. There are two main sources of power loss resulting from slippage in the friction drive CVT, spin and slip loss. Spin loss, which is also a main design issue in traction drives, results from the elastic contact deformation of rotating bodies having different rotational velocities. The structure and operating principles of the S-CVT and SS-CVT are first reviewed briefly. And to analyze the losses resulting from slippage, we reviewed previous analyses of the friction mechanism. A modified classical friction model is proposed, which describes the friction behavior including Stribeck (i.e., pre-sliding) effect. It is also performed an in-depth study for the velocity fields generated at the contact regions along with a Hertzian analysis of deflection. Hertzian results were employed to construct the geometric parameters and normal pressure distributions of the contact surface with respect to elastic and plastic deformations. With analytic formulations of the relative velocity field, deflection, and friction mechanism of the S-CVT and SS-CVT, quantitative analyses of spin loss for each case are carried out. As a result, explicit models of spin loss were developed.

• Journal of Power System Engineering
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.41-47
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• 2008

This article deals with the stress analysis of the friction drive, which transmits the power via the rolling resistance on the contract area between the two rotating bodies. On the contact area, friction drives are normally involved with shear stress due to the transmitted force, as well as normal stress. Thus the stress analysis including the shear stress is necessary for the design of the friction drive. Hertzian results can be used to estimate the normal stress distribution and elastic deflection of the contact area, although the shear stress distribution is not well defined. In order to investigate the shear stress distribution and its effects in a friction drive, we have performed the stress analysis of the spherical continuously variable transmission(CVT) using finite element method. The spherical CVT is one of friction drives, which is used in small power applications. The numerical results show that the normal stress distribution is not affected by the transmitted shear force, and the maximal shear stress is increased in small amount along with the shear force.

• International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2008

A new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for electric bicycles was developed using a traction drive mechanism with inner and outer spherical rotors. This electric bicycle CVT permits three propulsion modes: human-power only, motor-power only, or a combination of motor power and human power. In addition, the electric bicycle CVT has high power efficiency, large torque capacity, improved drivability, and good packageability. A prototype was manufactured based on a conceptual design, a performance analysis, and a detailed design. This prototype has a rated power of 250 W and input motor speed of 20 rad/s for an overall speed ratio in the range 0.3-1.2. A bench test was conducted to measure the power transmission performance of the prototype.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.863-869
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• 2006

A new CVT, the inner spherical traction CVT (ISCVT) is introduced. Transmission of the most scooters is the self-controlled variable pulley-belt type of CVT having some disadvantages in the fuel consumption and the limitation of the transmittable power due to the slippage between the belt and pulley. Unlike this, ISCVT controlled directly by driver is more efficient and the contact mechanism having the same line of contact normal of the spherical rotors of different radii on common center causes that the power density and torque capacity are remarkably improved. The prototype with the specifications of 50cc scooter is designed and tested.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.06b
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• pp.110-115
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• 2001

The spherical CVT, intended to overcome some of the limitations of existing CVT designs, is marked by its simple kinematic design, improved efficiency of the shift actuator, and IVT characteristics, i.e., the ability of smooth transition between the forward, neutral, and reverse states without the need for any brakes or clutches. And it has been promised much possibility of energy savings and various applications for small power capacity machinery. Due to the nonlinearity of the spherical CVT shifting dynamics, however the original open-loop system is inherently unstable. Hence a feedback controller is necessary to make the system stable and to achieve effective tracking performance. To do this, we designed a feedback controller that cancels nonlinearities and transforms the original nonlinear system dynamics into a stable and controllable linear one, based on the input-state linearization method.

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.467-473
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• 2005

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an inner spherical traction drive was conceptually designed for bicycle usage. The range of the overall speed ratio is from 1.0 to 4.5. The rated power and pedal speed are 100 Watts and 6 rad/s, respectively. The peculiar packageability, high-level power efficiency and high torque capacity were considered in the design process. A compact CVT that can be installed within a $244\times125\times160mm^3$ space and is above 0.9 in efficiency for the rated values was numerically designed. The distribution of efficiency according to the input torque and input speed were calculated. Gradeability in the prescribed operation mode was simulated.

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.799-806
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• 2007

One method for improving the torque capacity of the CVT is to use a split-powered CVT(SPCVT) to reduce the power transmitted into a continuously variable unit(CVU). A variable bridge SPCVT with two planetary gear units(PGUs), which are composed of a sun gear, a ring gear, and carrier and planetary gears, can minimize the power to the CVU. However, a SPCVT with a conventional CVT should possess a dual mode, which would allow the conventional CVT to be used at high speeds and an additional gear train to be used at low speeds. The inner-spherical CVU(ISCVU) with an inner and outer spherical contact mechanism developed in this study can cover the range from low to high speeds. The rated power and the overall speed ratios were 100 kW and $0.09{\sim}0.36$, respectively. Power efficiency was numerically calculated to be over 90% over the speed ratio range of $0.1{\sim}0.29$. The maximum shear stress at the two contact areas of the rotor pairs, the minimum life and the overall size were estimated to be 700 MPa, 276 kh and $350{\times}350{\times}400mm^3$, respectively. This study shows that an ISCVU and a variable bridge type PGU can realize the SPCVT with a single mode for a vehicle.