Multi-Speed Ratio Variable System to Transmit Power and Motion Continuously

Abstract

Ratio variable transmissions are used when a wide range of speed and torque is required for mechanical devices. Geared transmissions are applied for a wide variety of machines. However, power and motion transmission from the input shaft to the output shaft is interrupted during the ratio changing process in geared transmissions. In order to solve this problem, a novel ratio variable system has been proposed in the previous report. This system uses a noncircular gear that can realize the reduction ratios of two gear pairs and has accomplished the ratio change from the first ratio to the second ratio while transmitting power and motion. In this report, multi-speed ratio variable system to transmit power and motion continuously is proposed in which a noncircular gear with multi-speed ratio is incorporated. Geometrical form of the noncircular gear for this system is analyzed. The experimental apparatus is constructed and the experimental result shows that this ratio variable system can realize multi-speed ratio change while transmitting torque and rotation.