Continuously variable transmission
AssigneeFallbrook Technologies Inc.
InventorDonald Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
Claims20
A mechanism for facilitating the adjustment of a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the mechanism comprising:
- a spindle that provides an axis of rotation for a speed adjuster of the CVT;
- a weight cable operationally coupled to the spindle;
- and
- a weight coupled to the weight cable;
- and
- wherein a movement of the weight causes the weight cable to actuate an adjustment in the tilt position of the spindle.
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of weights;
- a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the weights, the CVT comprising a plurality of spindles, each spindle providing an axis of rotation for a speed adjuster of the CVT;
- and
- wherein the spindles are operationally coupled to the weights such that a movement of the weights causes an adjustment in the tilt position of the spindles.
A method of adjusting the speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of weights;
- providing a plurality of spindles, each spindle providing an axis of rotation for a speed adjuster of the CVT;
- and
- operationally coupling the spindles to the weights such that a movement of the weights causes an adjustment in the tilt position of the spindles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.