Parallel disk continuously variable transmission (PDCVT)

In this article we propose the design of a novel continuously variable transmission, named as the Parallel Disk Continuously Variable Transmission (PDCVT). The PDCVT consists of three disks. Two disks are rigidly connected to the input and output shafts. The third disk is connected to an intermediary shaft that is free to translate. This third disk is in contact with the first two disks through balls the encapsulated in cages. These balls through rolling contact with the disks transfer the power from the input disk to the intermediary disk and from the intermediary disk to the output disk. Offsetting the intermediary disk and balls with respect to the fixed input/output modifies the position of the contact points and controls the transmission ratio. The PDCVT is able to transition smoothly from one transmission ratio to another with minimal force requirement. Finally, the experimental results on a constructed prototype are studied to assess the power loss, sustainable torque, and transmission ratio of the transmission.