Preload and torsional backlash management for a continuously variable transmission device

A radially inner race and a radially outer race for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:

• the radially inner race, having a first inner race structure and a second inner race structure spaced along an axis wherein at least one of the first inner race structure or the second inner race structure is axially movable and wherein the first inner race structure and the second inner race structure are rotationally constrained with respect to each other;
• the radially outer race, having a first outer race structure and a second outer race structure spaced along an axis wherein at least one of the first outer race structure or the second outer race structure is axially movable;
• planetary members in rolling contact with the radially outer race;
• at least one outer race structure operatively coupled to a torque sensitive inclined plane structure reactive to forces exerted by the at least one outer race structure;
• and
• a torsion damper operatively coupled to the first outer race structure to apply torque to the first outer race structure to reduce a transition amplitude during a torque impulse.

A method of torsional damping a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:

• operatively coupling a torsion damper to a first outer race structure of a radially outer race wherein the radially outer race has the first outer race structure and a second outer race structure spaced along an axis wherein at least one of the first outer race structure or the second outer race structure is axially movable;
• establishing a radially inner race in rolling contact to a plurality of planetary members wherein the radially inner race includes a first inner race structure and a second inner race structure spaced along an axis wherein at least one of the first inner race structure or the second inner race structure is axially movable and wherein the first inner race structure and the second inner race structure are rotationally constrained with respect to each other;
• clamping the radially outer race to the planetary members via a torque sensitive inclined plane mechanism reactive to forces exerted by the radially outer race when torque is applied in a first direction wherein the planetary members are in rolling contact with the radially outer race;
• reversing torque to a second direction;
• and
• applying torque via the torsion damper to the radially outer race to reduce a transition amplitude during a torque impulse.