A Novel Continuously Variable Transmission with Circumferentially Arranged Disks (CAD CVT)

This paper presents a novel Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) design. CVT is highly beneficial for actuators with rotary output as it can improve the energy efficiency of the actuators by providing an optimum transmission ratio. This property of CVT is highly beneficial for fossil-fuel-based vehicles, electric vehicles, wind turbines, industrial robots, etc. With the exception of Spherical CVT and DH CVT, all known CVTs like push belt CVTs, toroidal CVTs, Milner CVTs, etc., require additional gear sets and clutches for direction reversal and neutral gear ratio. However, Spherical CVT and DH CVT have low torque capacity due to a single traction point constraint. Foregoing in view, a new CVT named CAD CVT has been developed. The paper presents the design conception, the operating principle, the transmission ratio, the torque capacity, frictional losses, and experimental verification of the basic functionality by manufacturing a Proof of Concept (PoC). The proposed CVT is the only CVT capable of independent direction reversal and high torque capacity as it can transmit torque through multiple traction points. The new CVT will significantly impact high-torque applications in different engineering applications, especially land transport consisting of heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and trailers.