Design of an improved variable-sheave v-belt drive

An improved centrifugal flyweight mechanism for axially positioning the driving sheave of a continuously-variable V-belt transmission is described. The new mechanism replaces a cam-type flyweight system with a slider-crank linkage-type system. The benefits of the new design include increased life, decreased cost, reduced size and weight, and smoother shift action. A detailed comparison between the cam and linkage systems are provided, and the type synthesis leading to selection of the slider-crank system is described. The slider-crank system was designed using a dedicated computer-aided design program. Several program features found to assist the design process are described, including rapid interactive response, extensive graphical feedback, and a dual-mode user interface. The new drive is currently marketed as the transmission of internal combustion engine-powered golf carts.