Performance of a Cam-Type Pulse Continuously Variable Transmission

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess the performance parameters of the cam-type pulse continuously variable transmission, which is a first attempt to investigate this issue in the presented manner. The transmission under investigation comprises two cams in cooperation with two units, each consisting of rollers connected to swing rods mounted on overrunning clutches. To accomplish this, a test stand was built and a detailed testing program was developed takes into consideration the influence of gear ratio, rotational speed, and load on the uniformity of motion and efficiency. Analysis of the obtained results leads to the conclusion that the tested transmission is particularly sensitive to changes in operating conditions, and its overall performance deteriorates as the reduction ratio increases. The best results were achieved with a load below the nominal one, at low rotational speeds and a low speed reduction. The transmission's structure design and operational principle result in significant power losses, as evidenced by an efficiency rating of less than 60%.