A Study on a Stepped Traction Drive Transmission

Abstract

This paper describes a new traction drive transmission which features a self-loading mechanism to achieve high efficiency and a simple ratio-change system without synchronizers. A cam incorporated in the roller support provides loading force in proportion to the force being transmitted, and the speed ratio is selected by changing the distance between the shafts. Tests conducted to evaluate the loading force, transmission efficiency and ratio changes have confirmed that this transmission achieves high efficiency equal to that of gears and quick ratio changes without any shift shock. This mechanism is expected to be a next-generation transmission for automobiles, achieving low cost, small size and high levels of performance. The study results show its fundamental performance and promising future.

Keywords

• transmission
• traction drive
• robotized
• automated
• tribology
• efficiency
• ratio change