# US 2020/0393232 A1 · Clutch alignment apparatus and method of clutch alignment > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2020/0393232 A1 - Document ID: US20200393232A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/899,684 - Filed: 2020-06-12 - Published: 2020-12-17 - Earliest claimed: 2019-06-13 - Inventors: Timothy Lessard - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20200393232A1 ## CPC - G01B 5/25: for testing the alignment of axes - F16H 9/125: {characterised by means for controlling the geometrical interrelationship of pulleys and the endless flexible member, e.g. belt alignment or position of the resulting axial pulley force in the plane perpendicular to the pulley axis} - F16H 55/56: of which the bearing parts are relatively axially adjustable - B62M 27/02: power driven - G01B 5/02: for measuring length, width or thickness (G01B5/004, G01B5/08 take precedence) - G01B: MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS - F16H: GEARING - B62M: RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR {SINGLE-TRACK} CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES (arrangements or mounting of transmissions in vehicles in general B60K; transmission elements per se F16) ## Abstract A clutch alignment apparatus and method of aligning a dual clutch system in a continuously variable transmission that enables a user to measure the alignment of the primary clutch and secondary clutch when the system is under a load that is similar to that which is applied when the system is operating under normal operating conditions. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A clutch pre-loader adapted to place a load between a primary clutch and a secondary clutch in a continuously variable transmission, the clutch pre-loader comprising: a clutch ring that is connected to an adjustable tensioner; wherein the clutch ring is configured to connect to one of the primary clutch or the secondary clutch and the adjustable tensioner is configured to connect to the primary clutch or secondary clutch that is not connected to the clutch ring; and wherein the adjustable tensioner is adjusted to apply a load between the primary clutch and the secondary clutch. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The clutch pre-loader of claim 1, wherein the adjustable tensioner includes a rod having a first end and a second end, a spring, and a preload fastener; and wherein the first end of the rod is connected to the clutch ring, the spring is inserted over the rod, and the preload fastener is adjustably connected to the second end of the rod, and wherein adjusting the placement of the preload fastener on the rod adjusts the load applied by the spring. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The clutch pre-loader of claim 2, the adjustable tensioner further including a housing and wherein the rod extends from the clutch ring into the housing. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The clutch pre-loader of claim 3, the housing further including a standoff that is configured to be inserted into the secondary clutch, the housing also including scribe marks. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The clutch pre-loader of claim 2, wherein the second end of the rod is threaded and the preload fastener is a nut. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The clutch pre-loader of claim 1, wherein the clutch ring is connected to the tensioner by a spherical ball joint. ### Claim 7 A method of aligning a primary clutch and a second clutch in a continuously variable transmissions, the method comprising the following steps: attaching a clutch preloader to the primary clutch and the secondary clutch, the clutch preloader including a clutch ring that connects to either the primary clutch or the secondary clutch and a tensioner that connects to the other clutch; adjust the tensioner to add a predetermined load between the primary clutch and secondary clutch; measure the distance between the primary clutch and the secondary clutch; remove the clutch preloader; and adjust the position of the primary clutch and/or the secondary clutch. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the set of measuring the distance between the primary clutch and the secondary clutch includes the following steps: Connect an alignment bar to the primary clutch to measure the distance between the primary clutch the secondary clutch. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the alignment bar is used to measure the distance between the primary clutch and the secondary clutch from a right side position, a left side position, a top position, and a bottom position; calculating a top-bottom offset by subtracting the bottom position from the top position, calculating a side offset by subtracting the right side position from the left side position; and adjusting the position of the primary clutch and/or secondary clutch based on the top-bottom offset and side offset. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, further including the step of measuring the vertical distance between a top portion of the primary clutch and a bottom portion of the secondary clutch and using that measurement to determine how to adjust the position of the primary clutch and/or secondary clutch. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9 wherein the alignment bar has 4 measuring openings that are configured to measure the right side position, the left side position, the top position, and the bottom position.